Morocco’s national football team has been thrown into uncertainty after head coach Walid Regragui unexpectedly resigned during a crucial phase of preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement, made on Thursday, has sparked widespread discussion across Morocco’s football community, as the global tournament is now only months away.
Regragui, who has led Morocco’s national side for nearly four years, confirmed that he decided to step aside due to accumulated physical and mental fatigue following an intense period of responsibility. Although speculation about his future had circulated in recent weeks, many observers were still surprised by the timing of the decision, given the importance of the team’s ongoing preparations.
During his tenure, Regragui guided Morocco through one of the most successful periods in the country’s football history. His greatest achievement came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha, where Morocco stunned the football world by reaching the semi-finals. The Atlas Lions defeated major European powers such as Spain national football team and Portugal national football team, becoming the first African nation ever to reach the final four of a World Cup. That historic run elevated Morocco’s global reputation and inspired fans across Africa and the Arab world.
Beyond that milestone, Morocco also displayed remarkable consistency under Regragui’s leadership. The team recorded a strong winning ratio and established itself as one of Africa’s most formidable sides. Between June and December 2024, Morocco achieved an impressive streak of 19 consecutive victories, a rare accomplishment in international football that reflected the squad’s tactical discipline and cohesion.
A summary of Morocco’s performance during Regragui’s tenure is presented below:
| Indicator | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Matches Managed | 49 |
| Wins | 36 |
| Draws | 8 |
| Losses | 5 |
| Longest Winning Streak | 19 matches |
| Major Achievement | 2022 World Cup semi-final |
Following Regragui’s departure, attention has turned to a possible successor. One of the leading candidates is Mohamed Wahbi, a promising young coach who has already earned recognition for his work in youth football. Wahbi gained international attention after guiding Morocco’s under-20 side to victory at the FIFA U‑20 World Cup. Analysts believe his appointment could accelerate the integration of emerging talents into the senior squad.
Morocco’s captain Achraf Hakimi also paid tribute to his departing coach in an emotional message on social media. Hakimi thanked Regragui for his leadership, passion and vision, saying that his guidance inspired not only the players but also millions of supporters across the country and beyond.
Despite the coaching change, Morocco’s preparations for the World Cup continue. The team is scheduled to play two international friendlies later this month. On 27 March, Morocco will face the Ecuador national football team in Madrid, followed by another match four days later against the Paraguay national football team in Lens, France. These fixtures are expected to provide valuable opportunities to test tactical combinations and evaluate squad depth ahead of the tournament.
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Morocco have been drawn into Group C alongside the formidable Brazil national football team, the Scotland national football team, and the Haiti national football team. While Brazil’s presence makes the group particularly challenging, Moroccan supporters remain hopeful that the team can once again deliver a memorable campaign under new leadership.