Morocco’s Walid Regragui Resigns as Coach Before World Cup

Walid Regragui has stepped down as coach of Morocco’s national soccer team, just three months before the team is set to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement was made during a late-night news conference on Thursday, where Regragui, flanked by Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the Moroccan Football Federation, expressed his belief that the team requires a new direction.

“The team needs a fresh face, a different energy, and a new perspective with a new coach,” Regragui stated. He emphasized that his departure is a necessary step for the team’s evolution and progress as they prepare for the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Leadership Transition

In accordance with this leadership change, Mohamed Ouahbi has been appointed as Regragui’s successor. Ouahbi previously led Morocco’s under-20 team to victory at the Youth World Cup, showcasing his ability to guide young talents effectively. Regragui’s resignation comes after a challenging period for the national team, including disappointment at the recent Africa Cup in Ivory Coast, where the team’s performance fell short of expectations.

Regragui made history in 2022 by leading Morocco to the semifinals of the World Cup, marking a significant achievement as it was the first time an African and Arab nation reached this stage. Nonetheless, his tenure faced criticism after Morocco lost in the final and failed to secure a continental trophy since 1975. Observers noted that Regragui’s defensive approach contributed to the growing discontent among fans and analysts alike.

Future Aspirations

Morocco is on a path to invest billions of dollars in sports infrastructure, including the construction of the Hassan II Stadium, which is projected to be the largest soccer arena globally, accommodating 115,000 spectators upon its completion in 2028. The nation is also gearing up to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, with ambitions to host the final match in this state-of-the-art venue.

As part of their preparations for the upcoming World Cup, the Moroccan team will engage in warm-up matches against teams on March 27 and March 31, 2026. Morocco has been drawn into Group C, where they will face strong competition. The upcoming months will be crucial as the Atlas Lions seek to build momentum and establish a winning strategy under new leadership.

Regragui’s departure marks a significant moment in Moroccan soccer history, as the team and its supporters look ahead to a new chapter filled with potential and the hope of achieving greater success on the world stage.