Mehdi Benatia could be set for a new chapter with the Moroccan national team, as reports suggest the former captain is under consideration to join the coaching staff of the Atlas Lions in the build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to Moroccan outlet Morocco Sport, Benatia is expected to become part of the national team’s new technical team, which is set to be led by Tariq Sektioui. The development comes shortly after Benatia announced his resignation from his role as sporting director of Olympique de Marseille on Sunday.
Benatia’s decision to step down followed rising anger in Morocco over a controversial Marseille jersey design.
The French club unveiled a shirt featuring a map of the African continent showing the borders of 54 countries, but Morocco appeared in a truncated form, without its Sahara territory, a move that triggered widespread backlash.
Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to surround the future of Walid Regragui as head coach of the Moroccan national team.
Reports indicate that Regragui is unlikely to remain in the role after coming under intense criticism following Morocco’s defeat to Senegal national football team in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.
