RABAT, Morocco — Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui has resigned from his position just months ahead of the World Cup, as he confirmed during a late-night press conference on Thursday.
Regragui’s exit — occurring fewer than 100 days before the World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 — had been widely reported prior to Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the national soccer federation, joining Regragui at the press conference that also served as a farewell tribute to the departing coach.
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“The team requires a new face, a different energy, and a fresh perspective with a new coach,” Regragui stated. “I believe the team needs a revitalization before the World Cup, a new vision to continue advancing. My choice to step down is part of this team’s development.”
Lekjaa announced that Mohamed Ouahbi, who guided Morocco’s under-20 team to the Youth World Cup championship, will take over as Regragui’s successor.
During the 2022 World Cup, Regragui led Morocco to the semifinals — a historic achievement for both Africa and the Arab world — but faced criticism after the team was unable to secure the Africa Cup of Nations title as the host nation, suffering a dramatic 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the final in January.
Morocco has not claimed a continental trophy since 1975, and Regragui also faced scrutiny for his defensive approach to the game. Some critics had already called for his removal following Morocco’s disappointing performance at the previous Africa Cup in Ivory Coast.
Regragui, a former right-back for Spanish club Racing Santander, was appointed as the national team coach in 2022. His future became a topic of significant speculation after the recent Africa Cup setback, with multiple media outlets reporting on his departure, leading the federation to issue three denials.
Morocco is investing billions of dollars in sports-related infrastructure as it aims to establish itself as a soccer powerhouse. It is co-hosting the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal and has high aspirations of hosting the final at Hassan II Stadium, which is set to become the largest soccer venue in the world with a capacity of 115,000 upon its anticipated completion in 2028.
Morocco will engage in World Cup warm-up matches against Ecuador and Paraguay on March 27 and 31, respectively.
The Atlas Lions have been placed in World Cup Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland.
