Morocco Officially Parts Ways with Walid Regragui, Mohamed Ouahbi Takes the Helm

Rabat, Morocco – After weeks of speculation, the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has officially confirmed the departure of Walid Regragui as head coach of the national team. The announcement, made Thursday, marks the end of an era for the Atlas Lions, who reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations under his leadership. Regragui stated, “I leave my position with loyalty, gratitude and the certainty of having served my country,” during a televised ceremony.

The FRMF confirmed the decision in an official statement, acknowledging Regragui’s contributions to the national team. “The President (Fouzi) Lekjaa and the FRMF salute Walid Regragui for his commitment and the work accomplished at the head of the national team,” the statement read. “The Federation expresses its recognition and gratitude to him.”

Mohamed Ouahbi Steps Up from U20 Success

Replacing Regragui will be Mohamed Ouahbi, the highly-rated coach who recently led Morocco’s Under-20 team to victory at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile last October. The appointment signals a commitment to developing Moroccan talent from within, and a continuation of the national team’s recent upward trajectory.

According to the FRMF statement, Ouahbi was chosen for “his ability to build a collective, to develop players and to instill a high level of demand.” The 49-year-ancient began his coaching career in Belgium, where he worked within the youth setup at Anderlecht. He brings a proven track record of success at the youth level, and the FRMF clearly believes he can translate that to the senior national team.

“I am honored by the confidence of the FRMF,” Ouahbi said, adding that he intends to “work with rigor and humility” to “allow the team to take a step forward in the next competitions.” His first major test will come at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Morocco has been drawn into a challenging group alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.

Andrés Iniesta Joins as Sporting Director

The FRMF’s announcement wasn’t limited to the head coach position. As part of a broader strategic overhaul dubbed “Morocco 2030,” the federation has likewise appointed Spanish legend Andrés Iniesta as Sporting Director of the national team. This move underscores the FRMF’s ambition to elevate the standard of Moroccan football across all levels.

“This announcement is not just a change; it’s a strategic transition,” explained FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa. “Our goal is to continuously improve Moroccan football with a roadmap… that connects the A-team, training, youth, and women’s football.”

Iniesta, a decorated midfielder who enjoyed immense success with FC Barcelona and Spain, will be tasked with “structuring and demanding a performance project around the A-team,” according to the FRMF. His experience and expertise are expected to be invaluable as Morocco strives to become a consistent contender on the global stage.

Adding further international experience to the technical staff, João Sacramento, formerly an assistant coach at Paris Saint-Germain under Christophe Galtier and José Mourinho at Tottenham and AS Roma, will join Ouahbi’s staff.

Regragui’s tenure, while ultimately ending in disappointment with the loss in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, will be remembered fondly by Moroccan fans. He guided the team to unprecedented heights, fostering a spirit of unity and resilience that captivated the nation. His departure marks the end of a chapter, but the foundations he laid provide a solid platform for Ouahbi and the new-look technical team to build upon.

The appointment of Ouahbi represents a bold move by the FRMF, placing faith in a coach who has demonstrated a knack for nurturing young talent. The success of the U-20 team at the World Cup showcased the depth of potential within Moroccan football, and Ouahbi will be expected to identify and integrate these promising players into the senior squad.

Morocco’s group stage opponents at the 2026 World Cup – Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti – will present a formidable challenge. However, with a new coach at the helm and the addition of a world-class sporting director in Iniesta, the Atlas Lions will be determined to make their mark on the tournament. The focus now shifts to preparation and building a cohesive team capable of competing with the world’s best.

The FRMF’s “Morocco 2030” vision extends beyond the senior national team, encompassing a comprehensive plan to develop football at all levels. This includes investing in youth academies, improving coaching education, and promoting women’s football. The aim is to create a sustainable ecosystem that will ensure Morocco remains a force in African and global football for years to come.

Fans will be keenly watching Ouahbi’s early team selections and tactical approach. The blend of youth and experience will be crucial, and the ability to adapt to different opponents will be paramount. The upcoming international friendlies will provide valuable opportunities to experiment and fine-tune the team’s preparations for the World Cup.

The next confirmed checkpoint for the Moroccan national team is a series of international friendlies scheduled for June 2026, as they finalize their preparations for the World Cup. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Atlas Lions and the latest developments in Moroccan football.

What are your thoughts on the appointment of Mohamed Ouahbi? Share your predictions for Morocco’s performance at the 2026 World Cup in the comments below!