Morocco: Walid Regragui leaves role as Atlas Lions head coach – Reports

Moroccan coach Walid Regragui’s future with the national team remains clouded in uncertainty, despite repeated denials from the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) about his potential departure.

Speculation over Regragui’s tenure has intensified since Morocco fell short in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final last January against Senegal.

Multiple media outlets have suggested that the 50-year-old coach is considering stepping down from his role with the Atlas Lions.

The FRMF has publicly refuted these claims on three separate occasions, insisting that Regragui will remain in charge through the 2026 World Cup.

Morocco is set to compete in Group C at the tournament next summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.

In its most recent statement last Thursday, the FRMF emphasized: “The Royal Moroccan Football Federation denies the news being circulated regarding the appointment of a new coach for the national team. The Federation will continue to keep the public informed of all developments related to the national team in due course.”

Amid the ongoing debate, reports had linked Mohamed Wahbi—who guided Morocco’s youth team to a World Cup title—as a potential successor to Regragui.

However, French journalist Santi Ona of Foot Mercato has contradicted the federation’s statements, confirming via his X account that Regragui has indeed stepped down.

Ona noted: “All matters related to the departure of Walid Regragui have been settled. He is no longer officially the coach of the Moroccan national team. All that remains is the official announcement from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation; a press conference is expected in the coming days.”

The situation leaves Morocco in a tense wait, as clarity on the team’s leadership could come any day ahead of the World Cup campaign.