Rabat, Morocco – The Moroccan Football Federation has appointed Mohamed Ouahbi as the recent head coach of the national team, succeeding Walid Regragui. Ouahbi, a Brussels native with deep ties to Moroccan football, brings a proven track record of success at the youth level, most notably leading the Morocco U-20 team to a historic World Cup title last year. The appointment signals a new chapter for Moroccan football as it prepares for upcoming challenges, including the FIFA World Cup and the continued pursuit of continental glory. This Mohamed Ouahbi appointment is already generating significant buzz, with reports suggesting the federation is also exploring the possibility of bringing Spanish legend Andrés Iniesta on board as a technical director.
A Familiar Face Takes the Helm
The decision to appoint Ouahbi wasn’t a surprise to many within Moroccan football circles. He previously managed the Morocco U20 national team, achieving a remarkable feat by winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2025. His coaching journey began in 1997 with Maccabi Brussels, where he honed his skills working with youth teams for six seasons. He then spent over a decade within the Anderlecht system, serving as a youth coach and assistant to Besnik Hasi. Ouahbi’s extensive experience developing young talent is seen as a key asset as Morocco looks to build for the future.
The Moroccan Football Federation officially announced the appointment on Thursday evening, with Ouahbi expressing his gratitude and commitment. “I am very grateful for this opportunity and the trust,” Ouahbi said, according to reports. “I know the expectations are high. I will operate very hard to move this team forward.”
Regragui’s Departure and a Legacy of Success
Ouahbi’s arrival follows the departure of Walid Regragui, who had guided Morocco to a historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Regragui’s tenure included notable victories over Belgium, Spain, and Portugal during that tournament, capturing the imagination of fans worldwide. But, a narrow defeat to Senegal in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations reportedly led to Regragui’s decision to step down, a decision the federation respected but delayed officializing until a suitable replacement was found.
Achraf Hakimi, a key player for the Moroccan national team, publicly thanked Regragui for his contributions. “Thank you for the exceptional work you have done at the helm of the Moroccan national team,” Hakimi stated. “Your leadership, passion and vision have inspired not only the players, but also an entire country and millions of fans around the world. You have left an indelible mark on the history of Moroccan football.”
Iniesta Considered for Technical Director Role
Adding to the excitement surrounding the changes within the Moroccan football program, reports indicate the federation is in discussions with Spanish legend Andrés Iniesta about a potential role as technical director. The 39-year-aged Iniesta, a decorated midfielder who won numerous titles with Barcelona and Spain, would bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position. However, the reports state that Iniesta is still considering the offer and has yet to make a final decision.
João Sacramento Joins Ouahbi’s Staff
Ouahbi will not be alone in navigating this new challenge. He will be joined by João Sacramento, a highly-regarded coach who has previously served as an assistant coach at prominent clubs such as PSG, AS Roma, and Tottenham Hotspur. Sacramento’s experience at the highest levels of European football is expected to be invaluable as Morocco prepares for upcoming competitions.
Morocco’s immediate focus will be on the FIFA World Cup, where they face a challenging group stage against Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. The team will demand to quickly adapt to Ouahbi’s tactics and build momentum if they hope to make a significant impact in the tournament. For fans following the team from around the globe, understanding the time zone differences will be key – matches will be broadcast from the host country, requiring adjustments for viewers in North America, Europe, and Africa.
The appointment of Ouahbi represents a strategic move by the Moroccan Football Federation, prioritizing a coach with a proven ability to develop young talent and a deep understanding of the nation’s footballing culture. The potential addition of a figure like Iniesta would further elevate the program and signal Morocco’s ambition to become a major force in international football. The coming months will be crucial as Ouahbi and his staff work to build a cohesive team and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Morocco’s next confirmed action is the FIFA World Cup, with their first match scheduled against Brazil. The team will undoubtedly be looking to build on the success of recent years and establish themselves as a consistent contender on the global stage.
What are your thoughts on the appointment of Mohamed Ouahbi? Share your predictions for Morocco’s performance in the upcoming World Cup in the comments below!
