Historic Coach Regragui Quits Morocco Role Just Months Before World Cup

Historic coach Regragui quits Morocco role just months before World Cup Walid Regragui, the coach who led the Morocco national football team to some of its greatest achievements in history, has stepped down from his position as head coach less than four months before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Regragui’s departure marks the end of a historic tenure that saw Morocco become the first African and Arab nation to reach the World Cup semi‑finals, a feat achieved at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Regragui, 50, confirmed his decision at a televised ceremony in Rabat, Morocco, acknowledging that both he and the federation agreed it was time for a “new direction” ahead of the Qatar‑co‑hosted event. “I leave my post with loyalty, gratitude, and the certainty that I have served my country,” he said, underlining his pride in what the team has achieved under his leadership.Despite speculation in recent weeks about his future, the timing of his resignation so close to the World Cup came as a shock to fans and analysts. Regragui took charge of the national side in September 2022, shortly before the Qatar World Cup, and quickly made history by guiding Morocco to an unprecedented fourth‑place finish, defeating traditional powerhouses along the way. He also led the team to the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, though Morocco fell narrowly to Senegal in a dramatic match on home soil. Under his command, Morocco set a record 19‑game winning streak, reflecting both tactical discipline and consistent performance. The Mohamed Ouahbi, who achieved success coaching Morocco’s under‑20 side to a 2025 youth World Cup victory in Chile, has been appointed as Regragui’s successor. Ouahbi, 49, will take over senior team responsibilities as Morocco gears up for its World Cup campaign, opening against teams including Brazil national football team, Scotland national football team and Haiti national football team in Group C. Regragui’s impact on Moroccan football was widely praised by players and supporters alike. Captain Achraf Hakimi posted a tribute, thanking him for his leadership and for inspiring both the squad and the nation. His departure closes a chapter that saw Morocco break new ground on the world stage, raising expectations for what the nation can achieve in future tournaments.