Morocco finally take decision on Walid Regragui’s future – will Xavi lead Atlas Lions?

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation is expected to hold a decisive meeting on Thursday to determine the future of the national team’s technical bench following Morocco’s defeat in the Africa Cup of Nations final to Senegal national football team.

In the aftermath of the loss, head coach Walid Regragui reportedly submitted his resignation. The federation initially rejected his decision and later released an official statement dismissing reports of his departure, reaffirming its confidence in him.

However, French outlet Foot Mercato has reported that the federation’s earlier statement may have been issued to buy time while exploring alternative options. According to the publication, Regragui’s resignation has now been accepted in recent hours, paving the way for a new appointment.

Exclusive information from Foot Mercato suggests that Mohamed Wahbi is poised to take over as head coach of the Atlas Lions, at least through the 2026 World Cup cycle. Wahbi brings extensive developmental experience, having spent 17 years working within the youth ranks of R.S.C. Anderlecht before being appointed by the Moroccan federation in March 2022 to lead the national under-20 side.

Under his guidance, Morocco’s youth setup has enjoyed remarkable progress. The team reached the final of the African Under-20 Cup of Nations. It achieved a historic milestone by lifting the Under-20 World Cup title in October 2025 in Chile, marking the nation’s first global triumph across all age categories.

The federation is understood to have weighed other high-profile options, including former FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, as well as several foreign candidates.

There were also expectations that Tarik Sektioui, who guided Morocco to success at the African Nations Championship and the Arab Cup and secured a third-place finish at the Olympic Games, could be handed the role.

Ultimately, the federation appears inclined toward a youth-driven project, with Wahbi emerging as the preferred candidate to lead the next chapter of the Atlas Lions.