Walid Regragui’s Morocco journey: Triumph, turbulence and an uncertain ending | OneFootball

From World Cup glory to uncertain future

Walid Regragui’s Morocco journey: Triumph, turbulence and an uncertain ending

Walid Regragui’s tenure as head coach of the Moroccan national team included historic highs and recent controversy and now his future is uncertain amid reports of his departure.

Appointment and early impact

Walid Regragui a former Morocco international player turned coach was appointed head coach of the Morocco on 31 August 2022 just weeks before FIFA World Cup in 2022 Qatar.

His appointment came after the departure of then-coach Vahid Halilhodžić who left due to disagreements with the federation over team management.

Regragui’s rise to the senior national role came after successful coaching career in club football including winning CAF Champions League with Wydad AC and league titles in Morocco and Qatar.

Prior to taking the national job, he also worked as assistant with the Moroccan team earlier in his coaching career.

World Cup breakthrough and rising status

Regragui quickly made history with Morocco at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Under his leadership, Morocco became first African and first Arab nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals defeating major footballing nations along the way.

He earned individual recognition for his work including being named CAF Coach of the Year in 2023, an award presented during CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech.

During this period, Regragui also ranked among the top national team managers worldwide reflecting the international respect he earned for Morocco’s tactical performances at the World Cup.

Stabilising the team and AFCON 2025

Regragui continued in his role as Morocco aimed for further success guiding the team into the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, a tournament hosted on home soil.

Morocco reached the final and narrowly lost to Senegal in extra time, a dramatic match that ended in controversy and sparked debate around his leadership.

Growing pressure and reports of departure

Following AFCON 2025, Regragui’s position began to face scrutiny. Some reports suggested that he was considering stepping down or that the federation was discussing management changes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

At one point, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) publicly denied rumours that Regragui had resigned affirming that he would remain in his position.

However recent reports from sports sites indicate that Regragui and the federation have mutually agreed to part ways and that Mohamed Wahbi, a coach with strong youth coaching record is expected to take over the senior national team ahead of the World Cup.

This change would come with a new technical staff and a transition at one of the most crucial moments in Moroccan football just months before FIFA World Cup 2026.

Regragui’s impact on Moroccan football is significant. He took over the national team with limited time before a major global tournament and delivered Morocco’s best-ever World Cup performance, a milestone that elevated his standing at home and abroad.