Rabat, Morocco – A less than 100 days from the start of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Moroccan national football team is undergoing a significant shift. Walid Regragui and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation have mutually agreed to part ways, leaving a void at the helm of one of Africa’s most promising squads. While Xavi Hernández’s name surfaced as a potential replacement, another prominent figure, Argentine manager Jorge Sampaoli, was also seriously considered for the role.
According to reports, Sampaoli engaged in discussions with the Moroccan federation regarding a possible contract to grab charge of the team ahead of the tournament. However, those talks ultimately stalled, paving the way for a different direction.
Morocco Prioritized a Local Coach
The conversations with Sampaoli were reportedly advanced, and the opportunity to lead Morocco, the recent runner-up in the Africa Cup of Nations, was an appealing prospect. But the situation took an unexpected turn. After several meetings, a committee within the federation decided to appoint a domestic manager to guide the team.
Mohamed Ouahbi has been named the new head coach of Morocco, at least for the duration of the World Cup. Ouahbi recently achieved a significant milestone, leading Morocco’s Under-20 team to victory in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, defeating Argentina 2-0 in the final. He now faces the challenge of transitioning his success to the senior national team.
Mohamed Ouahbi en el Mundial sub-20 con Marruecos.
Sampaoli’s near appointment highlights the Moroccan federation’s ambition to secure a high-profile manager for the World Cup. The Argentine coach, known for his tactical innovation and demanding style, previously managed Sevilla, the Chilean national team, and most recently, Flamengo. His experience on the international stage would have been a valuable asset for the Atlas Lions.
However, the federation ultimately opted for Ouahbi, believing a local coach would better understand the nuances of Moroccan football and foster a stronger connection with the players. This decision reflects a broader strategy to develop football within Morocco, as stated by the federation.
The timing of these changes, just months before the World Cup, presents a challenge for Morocco. The team will require to quickly adapt to Ouahbi’s leadership and tactical approach. The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, represents a significant opportunity for Morocco to build on their impressive run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Adding another layer to the federation’s plans, reports suggest that Andrés Iniesta remains a target for a director of sport role within the Moroccan national team setup. While not immediately joining the coaching staff, Iniesta’s potential involvement signals a long-term vision for the future of Moroccan football.
Morocco’s next immediate focus is preparing for the World Cup, where they will face challenging opponents. The team’s performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they aim to replicate, or even surpass, their success from the previous tournament. The appointment of Ouahbi marks a new chapter for Moroccan football, one filled with both promise and uncertainty.
The Moroccan federation has not disclosed details regarding the length or financial terms of Ouahbi’s contract. Further updates regarding the team’s preparations and any potential additions to the coaching staff are expected in the coming weeks.
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