In a stunning move that's sent shockwaves through African football, Morocco coach Walid Regragui has stepped down from his role just months before the 2026 World Cup kicks off. The timing couldn't be more dramatic - we're talking less than 100 days before the tournament starts in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Regragui confirmed the news at a late-night press conference alongside Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of Morocco's soccer federation. "The team needs a fresh face, a different energy, and a new perspective with a new coach," Regragui explained. He believes this change is crucial for Morocco's evolution as they prepare for football's biggest stage.
This is the same coach who made history by leading Morocco to the World Cup semifinals in 2022 - the first African and Arab nation to ever reach that stage. But recent results haven't been kind to the 50-year-old. Morocco's heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final in January, especially as the host nation, brought heavy criticism his way.
Enter Mohamed Ouahbi
So who's stepping into these massive shoes? Meet Mohamed Ouahbi, the 49-year-old Belgian-Moroccan coach who just led Morocco's under-20 team to Youth World Cup glory. It's worth noting this will be his first senior team coaching gig, which is quite the leap.
"I'm not here to build, because the foundations are already in place. I'm here to keep performing," Ouahbi said confidently. He's bringing in serious experience as his assistant - Joao Sacramento, who's worked with Jose Mourinho at both Roma and Tottenham, plus had a stint at Paris Saint-Germain.
For anyone following the betting markets, this coaching change adds a fresh layer of uncertainty to Morocco's World Cup prospects. The Atlas Lions are drawn in Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti and Scotland - a tough group that just got more unpredictable with a new manager at the helm.
What This Means for Morocco
Morocco hasn't won a continental trophy since 1975, and expectations have been sky-high since that incredible 2022 World Cup run. Some critics felt Regragui's defensive approach wasn't ambitious enough, and the pressure only intensified after disappointing performances at the previous Africa Cup in Ivory Coast.
Captain Achraf Hakimi was quick to praise his departing coach on social media, calling Regragui a "legend" who "left an unforgettable mark on the history of Moroccan football." That World Cup semifinal run clearly meant the world to players and fans alike.
Morocco's ambitions extend far beyond this World Cup. They're investing billions in sports infrastructure and will co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal. The planned Hassan II Stadium will be the world's largest soccer arena with 115,000 seats.
Ouahbi will get his first taste of managing the senior team during warm-up friendlies against Ecuador on March 27 and Paraguay on March 31. Those matches will be crucial for bettors and fans trying to gauge how this team responds to new leadership before the real action begins in June.
