Walid Regragui steps down as Morocco coach ahead of 2026 World Cup
5th March 2026
Walid Regragui has stepped down from his role as head coach of the Morocco national football team with immediate effect, bringing an end to a remarkable era for the Atlas Lions.
An official announcement is expected shortly, with Mohamed Ouahbi set to take over the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Regragui leaves the role after guiding Morocco through one of the most successful periods in the nation’s football history. Under his leadership, the North African side reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, becoming the first African nation to reach the last four of the tournament.
The Atlas Lions also enjoyed success on the continental stage, finishing runners-up at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, their first appearance in the final since 2004.
Morocco have already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, making them the first African side to confirm their place at the expanded global tournament.
Regragui’s departure marks the close of what many fans consider a “golden era” for Moroccan football, during which the team earned global recognition for its organisation, resilience and historic achievements on the world stage.
Ouahbi now faces the task of building on that legacy as Morocco prepare for another shot at football’s biggest prize this year.