Morocco national football team have dismissed head coach Walid Regragui with just three months remaining before the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with the country’s football federation appointing Mohamed Ouahbi as his successor.
The decision brings an end to Regragui’s tenure despite the significant milestones achieved under his leadership. He guided Morocco to a historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and later led the Atlas Lions to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
Speaking during a televised ceremony confirming his departure, Regragui expressed pride in his time with the national side.
“I leave my post with loyalty, gratitude, and the certainty that I have served my country,” he said, bringing an end to weeks of speculation regarding his future.
The Moroccan federation has promoted Ouahbi, 49, to the senior role following his success with the country’s youth setup. He recently led Morocco to victory at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in October, and officials described his appointment as part of a “strategic transition” ahead of the World Cup in North America this June and July.
A source close to the federation told AFP that the decision reflects a desire to move swiftly in preparation for the tournament.
“It’s a desire not to waste time and to take a different direction,” the source said, adding that the federation aims to “raise standards and expectations” through Ouahbi’s appointment and additional high-level reinforcements within the national team structure.
Morocco face a demanding challenge in the group stage of the World Cup, where they have been drawn in Group C alongside five-time champions Brazil national football team, Scotland national football team and Haiti national football team.
The Atlas Lions open their campaign against Brazil on June 13 at MetLife Stadium, just outside New York City, as they look to replicate the impact they made during their historic run in 2022.
The tournament also carries additional significance for Morocco, which will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
“Our ambition is to consolidate our place among the best nations in a sustainable way and to perform well from this summer, as well as in 2030,” said federation president Fouzi Lekjaa.
Regragui’s departure is widely linked to Morocco’s defeat in the recent AFCON final against Senegal national football team. The match ended in a 1-0 loss for Morocco after extra time, following a tense and controversial encounter.
The decisive moment came after a late penalty was awarded to the hosts with the score still goalless, prompting Senegal’s players to briefly walk off the pitch in protest. The decision triggered crowd disturbances involving Senegal supporters, with 18 individuals later jailed following the incident.
Brahim Díaz, the Real Madrid midfielder, eventually stepped up to take the penalty after a lengthy delay, but his effort was saved. Senegal subsequently secured victory in extra time, sealing the title and marking a disappointing end to Morocco’s campaign.
Despite his achievements, the defeat appears to have accelerated the federation’s decision to usher in a new coaching era as Morocco prepare for another pivotal moment on the global stage.
