The Moroccan Football Federation led by president, Fouzi Lekjaa is scheduled to hold a crunch meeting with head coach Walid Regragui, to address pressing issues, after missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.
The Atlas Lions hopes of ending their 50-year AFCON drought took a nosedive after succumbing to a narrow defeat to Senegal in the chaotic final, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Midfielder Pape Gueye emerged as the hero in the crucial final, netting the match-winner in extra-time after a pulsating goalless draw in regular time.
Concerns have been raised about Walid Regragui’s tactical choices and his management of crucial matches, especially considering the significant talent within the national team, the resources provided, and the high expectations surrounding the continental campaign in Morocco following the historic achievement at the Qatar World Cup. However, the failure to win the title was a disappointment, putting Regragui’s future with the Atlas Lions in serious jeopardy.
Despite calls for the sacking of Regragui, the Moroccan FA has yet to make a decision. They intend not to make an emotional charge or under pressure from the footballing public.
Besides, the prevailing approach within the Moroccan FA is to adopt a calm strategy based on a comprehensive evaluation of the national team’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, taking into account the overall context, the constraints, and the medium- and long-term objectives.
However, in the coming days, the Moroccan FA will convene in a crucial meeting with Walid Regragui to discuss the reasons for the continental failure, review the technical staff’s choices, and evaluate the past period in detail, including the management of the final match and the reliance on several injured players.
The meeting will be crucial in shaping the next phase, determining whether to part ways with Regragui or grant him one last chance to lead the national team in the 2026 World Cup.
Currently, Regragui’s future hangs in the balance, caught between the option of continuing to correct the course and build upon the positives, and the option of change demanded by a large segment of the public, who hold the national coach responsible for the failures and are eager to see the team succeed.
