Saudi Arabia eyes former Morocco coach Walid Regragui

Walid Regragui, the former Moroccan national team coach, is reportedly the frontrunner to take over Saudi Arabia’s national team following Hervé Renard’s departure.

Saudi media outlet Al Riyadiah estimates Regragui’s chances of appointment at around 80%.

The move comes after Saudi Arabia’s 4-0 friendly defeat to Egypt, which sparked criticism of Renard and prompted the Saudi Football Federation (SAFF) to seek a high-profile replacement.

Regragui’s track record, including his successful tenure at Al-Duhail, positions him as an attractive candidate for a national side aiming to strengthen its international credibility ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Al Riyadiah highlights Regragui’s leadership qualities, noting his ability to construct disciplined, defensively robust teams.

His experience in the region and previous success with Morocco, particularly during their 2022 World Cup campaign, make him a logical fit for the Saudi project.

The potential appointment is viewed as part of a broader strategy to project ambition and professionalism on the global stage.

Despite the high probability of agreement, Regragui’s camp remains cautious. The Moroccan coach has previously expressed aspirations to manage in Europe, specifically in the Premier League or La Liga.

Offers from Saudi Arabia, including interest from Al-Ittihad, are financially attractive, but the allure of leading a European club may still influence his decision.

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, however, the opportunity to manage a motivated team on football’s biggest stage presents a compelling prospect.

Regragui’s final choice could balance immediate international exposure against long-term career ambitions.

For now, the football world watches closely as Regragui weighs whether to embrace the Saudi challenge or hold out for a potential European opportunity.

His next move is likely to shape both his career trajectory and Saudi Arabia’s ambitions ahead of the World Cup.