Morocco considering to appoint Jose Mourinho to lead Atlas Lions ahead of 2026 World Cup

The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has expressed interest in appointing experienced gaffer Jose Mourinho to lead the Atlas Lions ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Moroccan outlet Al Mountakhab reports that Mourinho is currently tied to Benfica, making any short-term move highly complicated.

With the World Cup just four months away, timing would work strongly against such a switch, and for now, the report should be treated cautiously.

Questions also remain over whether Mourinho would even consider national team management.

The “Special One” has built his career around daily club management, full control of transfers, and hands-on tactical work.

A national team role offers a slower rhythm, less interaction with players, and a fragmented schedule. Notably, he has never managed a national side.

Still, at this stage in his career, the prospect of an international challenge—particularly with an ambitious team like Morocco—could represent a prestigious new chapter on paper.

In reality, the FRMF explored several national and international candidates before ultimately promoting internally with Mohamed Ouahbi.

The Mourinho rumor, much like Xavi’s name in earlier reports, appears more aspirational than concrete.

Whether it was a serious approach or merely a trial balloon remains unclear, but one thing is evident: Morocco was aiming high for its post-Regragui era.