The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has officially confirmed a change in leadership for the Atlas Lions ahead of the 2026 World Cup. After weeks of conflicting reports, Walid Regragui has vacated his role as head coach by mutual agreement, with U-20 World Cup-winning specialist Mohamed Ouahbi set to take the reins.
The Departure of Walid Regragui
Regragui’s exit marks the end of a historic chapter in Moroccan football. While the 50-year-old tactician will be immortalized for leading the team to a historic semi-final finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, his tenure ended following a mutual termination of his contract this week.
Reasons for Departure:
- AFCON Fallout: Speculation regarding his future intensified after Morocco’s narrow defeat to Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
- Mental Exhaustion: Reports suggest Regragui cited “mental exhaustion” and a desire to return to the rigors of European club football.
The New Marshal: Mohamed Ouahbi
The FRMF has moved swiftly to appoint Mohamed Ouahbi, a Belgian-Moroccan coach whose stock reached an all-time high in October 2025 after he led the Moroccan U-20 squad to a World Cup title. Ouahbi is seen as the definitive choice to integrate the country’s youth success into the senior setup.
Technical Staff Additions: To ensure a smooth transition, Ouahbi will be supported by a high-caliber technical team:
- João Sacramento: The former assistant to Jose Mourinho at Tottenham and Roma.
- Youssouf Hadji: The Moroccan legendary striker who brings deep institutional knowledge of the national team.
Immediate Challenges and 2026 Outlook
Ouahbi faces an immediate “baptism of fire” as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup in North America. His first tasks include:
- March Friendlies: Leading the team into high-profile matches against Ecuador and Paraguay in late March.
- Leadership Transition: Stabilizing a dressing room currently navigating the international retirement of long-time captain Romain Saïss.
While the shadow of Regragui’s 2022 success looms large, the appointment of Ouahbi signals the federation’s intent to build a younger, more tactically flexible side capable of competing on the global stage once again.
Source: Africa Publicity
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