FEATURE: Walid Regragui’s legacy as the coach who transformed Morocco’s Atlas Lions forever
The era of Walid Regragui as head coach of the Morocco national football team officially came to an end on March 5, closing one of the most remarkable chapters in the history of the Atlas Lions.
His departure, announced only months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, concludes a successful tenure that lasted 49 matches, during which he recorded 36 victories, eight draws and just five defeats.
Regragui admitted that stepping away from the role was an emotional moment. Speaking at a press conference, the coach reflected on his time in charge, saying, “No one can take away that I gave everything, with honesty and total commitment.”
He also explained that the decision reflects the natural cycle of football at the highest level. “In high-level football, there are cycles. Sometimes the dynamic needs new faces and different energy.”
Although his time with the national team has ended, Regragui’s influence on Moroccan football is already firmly etched in history.
Before leading the national team, Regragui had built an impressive reputation in club football. A former Moroccan international defender, he began his coaching career with FUS Rabat, where he won the Botola Pro and the Moroccan Throne Cup before later managing clubs in Qatar.
His major breakthrough came in 2022 when he took charge of Wydad Athletic Club. In his first season, he guided the Casablanca giants to the league title and led them to continental success by winning the CAF Champions League after defeating Al Ahly SC in the final.
That triumph earned him the role as Morocco’s national team coach in August 2022, only months before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. What followed would become one of the greatest moments in African football history.
Regragui’s crowning achievement arrived during the World Cup campaign in Qatar. Under his leadership, Morocco embarked on a historic run that captured global attention as the team became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi finals of the tournament.
During the competition, Morocco defeated Belgium national football team in the group stage before eliminating Spain national football team on penalties in the round of sixteen. The Atlas Lions then stunned the Portugal national football team in the quarter finals with a 1–0 victory secured by a decisive goal from Youssef En-Nesyri.
That victory sent Morocco into the semi finals, marking the first time an African and Arab country had reached the last four of the World Cup. The achievement became a moment of immense pride not only for Morocco but for the entire African and Arab football community.
Regragui’s leadership, tactical discipline and emotional connection with his players drew admiration across the football world. In recognition of the historic accomplishment, he was named Africa’s best coach at the CAF Coach of the Year award in 2023.
Beyond the World Cup success, Morocco continued to grow as a competitive force on the international stage during his tenure. The Atlas Lions enjoyed an impressive run that included a historic 19 match winning streak, setting a remarkable benchmark for the national team.
Regragui also guided Morocco to the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, although the team ultimately fell just short of lifting the trophy.
Following the announcement of his departure, several Moroccan players paid tribute to the coach who helped shape one of the most successful generations in the country’s football history.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou shared an emotional message on Instagram. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all those moments shared. Thank you for changing the destiny of an entire nation that lives and dies for football. You have marked the history of Moroccan and African football like never before, and you have always defended these colors with pride.”
Defender Achraf Hakimi also paid tribute on social media, praising the coach’s influence. “Your leadership, passion, and vision inspired not only the players but also an entire country and millions of fans around the world. You have left an unforgettable mark in the history of Moroccan football. Thank you for making us dream and for carrying our colors with so much pride. Legend.”
Forward Sofiane Boufal also reacted, sharing photographs alongside the coach with the message, “Thank you for everything.”
Young midfielder Bilal El Khannouss reflected on the personal impact Regragui had on his development. “Beyond football, I learned a lot alongside you, both on the pitch and off it. Your high standards, your vision, and your trust helped me grow as a player and as a man. I sincerely wish you the very best for the next chapter of your journey.”
En Nesyri also praised the coach’s leadership, saying, “You were much more than a coach: a leader who always believed in us and who allowed us to experience unforgettable moments with our national team.”
Their messages highlight a widely shared sentiment within the squad. Regragui was not only seen as a coach but as a leader who built unity among players born in Morocco and those raised abroad.
His departure followed weeks of speculation about his future amid debates among supporters regarding the team’s recent performances. Despite leaving months before the next World Cup, Regragui emphasised that the decision was made with the long term interests of Moroccan football in mind.
Attention has now turned to the next chapter for the Atlas Lions. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has appointed Mohamed Ouahbi as the new head coach, supported by assistants João Sacramento and former Morocco international Youssouf Hadji.
Ouahbi arrives with a strong background in youth development. Since 2022 he has played a major role in Morocco’s youth national teams, most notably guiding the country to victory at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup after a 2–0 win against Argentina national under-20 football team in the final.
Before joining the Moroccan federation, Ouahbi spent 17 years working within the academy system of RSC Anderlecht in Belgium, helping develop players who would later move on to some of Europe’s top leagues. Holding a UEFA Pro License, he is known for his structured coaching philosophy and his focus on long term player development.
His appointment reflects the federation’s strategy of maintaining continuity by promoting coaches from within the national system.
Regardless of what the future holds, Regragui’s impact on Moroccan football remains undeniable. In less than four years, he transformed the Atlas Lions into a team capable of competing with the world’s best. His leadership united millions of fans and inspired a generation of young footballers across Africa and the Arab world.
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