Morocco’s national team coach, Walid Regragui, has announced his resignation just months before the FIFA World Cup, set to take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
According to ESPN, Regragui confirmed his decision during a late-night press conference on Thursday.
The announcement, which came amid widespread media speculation, was made alongside Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Moroccan Football Federation, and doubled as a tribute to the departing coach.
“The team needs a fresh face, a different energy, and a new perspective with a new coach,” Regragui said. “I think the team needs a new lease of life before the World Cup, a new vision to continue progressing. My decision to leave is part of this team’s evolution.”
Regragui, 50, famously led Morocco to the semifinals at the 2022 World Cup, a historic first for both Africa and the Arab world.
However, his tenure faced criticism following Morocco’s dramatic 1-0 loss to Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier this year, which they hosted.
Lekjaa revealed that Mohamed Ouahbi, who guided Morocco’s under-20 team to a Youth World Cup title, will take over as head coach.
“It will be Ouahbi’s first experience coaching a senior team. The 49-year-old Belgian-Moroccan previously managed Morocco’s under-23 side and spent much of his career overseeing youth squads at Belgian club Anderlecht.
“I’m not here to build, because the foundations are already in place. I’m here to keep performing,” Ouahbi said.
João Sacramento will join Ouahbi as assistant coach. The Portuguese coach, who has served as an assistant at Paris Saint-Germain, also worked under José Mourinho at Roma and Tottenham.
Regragui, a former right-back for Spanish side Racing Santander, was appointed Morocco’s coach in 2022.
His future had been the subject of intense speculation following Morocco’s disappointing showing at the Africa Cup, with media reports of his exit prompting three official denials from the federation.
Morocco has not claimed a continental trophy since 1975, and critics frequently cited Regragui’s defensive style as a limitation.
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi paid tribute to the outgoing coach on X, calling him a “legend” and adding, “leadership, passion, and vision inspired not only the players, but also an entire country and millions of fans around the world.”
