Walid Regragui leaves Morocco role as Mohamed Ouahbi appointed ahead of World Cup

Walid Regragui is no longer head coach of Morocco national football team after the Royal Moroccan Football Federation accepted his resignation, bringing weeks of uncertainty to an end.

The decision follows mounting tension after Morocco’s defeat in the final of the most recent Africa Cup of Nations. In the aftermath of that loss, speculation surrounding the future of the coaching staff intensified.

Although the Royal Moroccan Football Federation initially dismissed reports of a departure, the situation has now been formally resolved as preparations for the 2026 World Cup gather pace.

Regragui travelled to Morocco to sign the termination of his contract, concluding a three-year spell marked by significant achievements and high expectations.

His tenure ultimately ended following the dramatic defeat against Senegal national football team. A press conference is expected to formally confirm the change.

With just three months until the World Cup, the federation has turned to Mohamed Ouahbi as his successor.

The appointment comes ahead of more established names reportedly under consideration, including Xavi and Tarek Sektioui.

Ouahbi recently guided Morocco’s under-20 side to World Cup success in Chile in October 2025, a historic triumph that appears to have influenced the federation’s decision.

That achievement earned him promotion to the senior role despite having no prior experience managing at professional first-team level.

The challenge facing Ouahbi is considerable. He must implement his methods swiftly while preparing the squad for football’s biggest stage.

A key task will be to re-energise senior players who had built strong ties with Regragui during his tenure.

Reports also suggest João Sacramento could join the new coaching staff, a move that may help stabilise the dressing room during the transition.

Ouahbi is set to take charge for the first time in upcoming friendlies against Ecuador and Paraguay.

Those fixtures will offer an early indication of his approach as the countdown to 2026 begins in earnest for the Atlas Lions.