Morocco appoint Ouahbi as Regragui departs months before World Cup

Morocco have appointed Mohamed Ouahbi as their new head coach after parting company with Walid Regragui less than four months before the World Cup finals.

Ouahbi, 49, has been promoted from the under-23 setup to take immediate charge of the senior national team.

The appointment mirrors the arrival of his predecessor in August 2022, just three months prior to the tournament in Qatar.

“The objective is to ensure the continuous development of Moroccan football through a structured roadmap,” a federation statement read.

Regragui’s historic tenure ends

Regragui, 50, etched his name into sporting folklore by guiding the Atlas Lions to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

They became the first African nation in history to reach the last four on the global stage.

However, the former Wydad Casablanca boss had been under intense scrutiny following a heartbreaking defeat in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

The North Africans lost a dramatic showpiece against Senegal on home soil, marred by a missed stoppage-time penalty from Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz.

‘A new lease of life’

“The team needs a fresh face, a different energy, and a new perspective with a new coach,” Regragui admitted upon his departure.

“I think the team needs a new lease of life before the World Cup, a new vision to continue progressing.”

Speculation regarding the manager’s future had been mounting within the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) for several weeks.

Captain Achraf Hakimi paid tribute on social media, stating the departing coach left an “unforgettable mark” on the country’s footballing history.

World Cup countdown

Ouahbi now faces a race against time to prepare his squad for a daunting Group C opener against five-time champions Brazil on 13 June.

The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will also see Morocco face Scotland and Haiti.

Preparations begin immediately with friendly matches against Ecuador and Paraguay scheduled for the upcoming international window.