FIFA boss Gianni Infantino pays tribute to Walid Regragui after official Morocco departure

Gianni Infantino has paid tribute to former Morocco head coach Walid Regragui following the official confirmation of the coach’s departure from the Morocco national football team.

Regragui’s exit was announced on March 5, bringing to a close what many consider one of the most influential managerial periods in Moroccan football history.

In a message shared on Instagram, the FIFA president commended the Moroccan tactician for his achievements with the national team and his broader contribution to the sport.

“Congratulations to Walid Regragui for his remarkable journey as head coach of the Morocco national team,” Infantino wrote. “I wish him all the best for what comes next and look forward to seeing him again soon.”

Infantino’s message adds to the growing number of tributes from players, supporters and figures within the football community following Regragui’s departure.

During his tenure, Regragui guided Morocco to an extraordinary run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where the team reached the semi-finals and made history as the first African and Arab nation to reach that stage of the tournament.

The remarkable performance of the Atlas Lions captured global attention and remains one of the most memorable achievements in the history of the competition.

Under Regragui’s leadership, Morocco also strengthened its standing in international football. The team leaves his tenure ranked eighth in the latest FIFA rankings, the highest position ever achieved by an African or Arab national side.

His time in charge is widely regarded as a transformative chapter for Moroccan football, helping to elevate the country’s reputation on the global stage while building a strong bond between the national team and its supporters.

Following his departure, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation appointed Mohamed Ouahbi as the new head coach of the Atlas Lions.

Ouahbi is expected to guide the team into its next phase as preparations begin for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.