Former Morocco coach Walid Regragui not in talks for Iraq job despite links

Former Morocco head coach Walid Regragui is not in negotiations to take charge of the Iraqi national team despite reports linking him with the position.

Regragui had emerged as a potential candidate to coach the Lions of Mesopotamia ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup, particularly after his impressive work with Morocco at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The Moroccan tactician made history at the tournament by guiding the Atlas Lions to the semi-finals, becoming the first African and Arab team to reach the last four of the World Cup. Morocco eventually finished fourth after losing to France in the semi-final and Croatia in the third-place play-off.

His achievements had reportedly made him an option for Iraq as the country’s football authorities assessed their coaching plans.

However, there are currently no negotiations between Regragui and the Iraqi Football Association, with reports from Morocco indicating that the coach was only considered as an alternative option.

Regragui’s name reportedly came into consideration in the event that Iraq decided not to extend the contract of Australian coach Graham Arnold.

That scenario has now changed, with the Iraqi Football Association reaching an agreement with Arnold to continue in charge of the national team.

The Iraqi FA had reportedly appointed a three-member committee, led by association president Younis Mahmoud alongside his deputies Sarmad Abdul-Ilah and Mohammed Nasser, to negotiate with Arnold over a contract extension.

The Australian coach is set to remain in charge under a short-term agreement running from August 1 until February 20, with the possibility of an extension.

Arnold’s reported monthly salary under the agreement is $75,000.

With the Australian coach staying in the position, the possibility of Regragui taking charge of Iraq has effectively moved off the table for now.

Regragui is currently without the Morocco job after his departure from the national team, but his reputation remains strong following the historic World Cup campaign that elevated him to one of the most prominent coaches in African football.

For now, however, there is no agreement or active negotiation between Regragui and Iraq, with Arnold set to continue leading the Lions of Mesopotamia into their preparations for the 2027 Asian Cup.