Moroccan FA appoint Spain and Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta as sporting director in technical shake-up

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has implemented major changes to the Atlas Lions technical team in a bid to revamp the national side ahead of upcoming 2026 World Cup tournament to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Following the departure of Walid Regragui as head coach of the Atlas Lions, the Moroccan football leadership has ringed changes to the technical team, with several high-profile appointments.

Per reports, Spain and Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta has been appointed as the new sporting director of the Moroccan national team. The move marks a surprising but ambitious step by Moroccan football authorities as they look to strengthen their technical leadership with one of the most respected figures in modern football.

Iniesta, widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, enjoyed a glittering career with Barcelona and the Spain national football team, where he won numerous major honours including the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship. His vast experience at the highest level is expected to bring valuable insight into Morocco’s sporting strategy, talent development, and long-term planning.

Further strengthening the technical bench, the Moroccan federation has also recruited Portuguese coach João Sacramento as part of the national team’s coaching staff. Sacramento is widely known in European football circles for his tactical acumen and extensive experience as an assistant coach.

The Portuguese tactician previously served on the coaching teams of several elite European clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, AS Roma and Tottenham Hotspur, where he worked alongside some of the continent’s top managers. His arrival is expected to add further tactical depth and analytical expertise to Morocco’s backroom setup.

Meanwhile, Morocco U20 gaffer Mohammed Wahbi has been appointed as the new coach for the Atlas Lions, replacing Walid Regragui.

The sweeping changes underline Morocco’s ambition to build on their recent international success and maintain their status among the world’s most competitive national teams.