Mohamed Ouahbi reveals Morocco ambitions after appointment

Morocco new coach Mohamed Ouahbi has promised to further develop the Atlas Lions team following his appointment.

Ouabhi replaces Walid Regragui as the new head coach of the Atlas Lions, marking a significant step in his coaching career.  

He is already known within Moroccan football. Since March 2022, he has been heavily involved in the country’s youth development system and led the Morocco U-20 side to victory at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2025, defeating Argentina national under-20 football team in the final.

Before joining Morocco’s national setup, he spent 17 years working at the academy of Belgian giants RSC Anderlecht, where he helped develop young players who later progressed to top European leagues. He holds a UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification in European football.

“We will work to continue developing this team, because it has already progressed significantly. As it is a young team, I believe it can develop even further and make the Moroccan people proud of their national team.”

“I am also aware of the expectations, and I am very proud. I pledge to work with seriousness, humility, determination, and a great sense of patriotism.”

Known for his structured and disciplined approach, Wahbi places strong emphasis on youth development and long-term planning. His work with Morocco’s U-20 side demonstrated that philosophy.

The team reached the final of the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in May 2025, narrowly losing 1-0. Rather than viewing the defeat as a setback, Wahbi described it as a learning experience for the squad.

Just months later, that same group achieved a historic milestone by winning the U-20 World Cup, Morocco’s first title at that level and a landmark moment for Arab football.

His promotion reflects the federation’s broader strategy of building continuity through youth development. Morocco’s football resurgence has largely been driven by players raised in European systems, and Wahbi’s background aligns perfectly with that model.