Why did Xavi turn down the Morocco national team? | OneFootball

Xavi says no to Morocco: not enough time before 2026 World Cup

Xavi Hernandez / @x.com/ShalashBassel/

According to a Spanish media outlet, Xavi Hernandez, former coach of FC Barcelona and Al-Rayyan, has recently turned down an offer to take the helm of the Morocco national team.

Lack of time keeps Xavi away from the Morocco bench

According to Catalan channel Esport3, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), led by Fouzi Lekjaa, had placed the Spanish tactician among the potential candidates to replace current head coach Walid Regragui.

The same source reveals that "the Maestro" informed the Federation he was not ready to commit to the Atlas Lions right away. The main reason: not enough time before the 2026 World Cup—a window he considers too short to build an ambitious and coherent project.

However, the report clarifies that Xavi has not closed the door for good. Since leaving FC Barcelona in the summer of 2024, the Spanish coach has been without a club and would prefer to postpone any decision until after the 2026 World Cup, leaving the door open for renewed talks if the Federation remains interested.

It’s also worth noting that the FRMF has recently denied, once again, rumors about a possible separation with current national team boss Walid Regragui.