RABAT – As Morocco ushers in a new era following Walid Regragui’s departure, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has turned to a familiar face to steer the national team toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mohamed Ouahbi, the 49-year-old tactician who recently made history by securing Morocco’s first-ever global football trophy, has been officially appointed as the new head coach.
His appointment signals a “strategic transition” under the FRMF’s Morocco 2030 vision, designed to bridge the gap between a burgeoning youth system and the senior national team.
From Brussels to Biblical Success
Born in Belgium to a family from Nador, Ouahbi’s coaching journey began at the age of 21. He dedicated 17 years to the prestigious RSC Anderlecht academy, where he earned a reputation as a highly respected “educator-coach.” During his time in Belgium, Ouahbi played an instrumental role in developing elite talents, culminating in a Belgian U-17 Championship victory in 2018.
In March 2022, he joined the Moroccan federation, taking charge of the U-20 side. His impact was nothing short of historic. In October 2025, Ouahbi led the “Atlas Cubs” to an unprecedented FIFA U-20 World Cup title in Chile, overcoming footballing giants such as Spain, Brazil, and France, before securing a 2-0 victory over Argentina in the final.
The Ouahbi Blueprint: A Tactical Profile
While Regragui’s reign was defined by a steadfast “solidarity and soul” approach, Ouahbi brings a reputation for tactical discipline and a high-intensity playing style. Under his stewardship, fans can expect a subtle shift in the team’s identity:
- Preferred Formation: Ouahbi is a proponent of a well-organized 4-2-3-1 formation but is versatile enough to switch to a 3-4-3 when a more dynamic approach is required to control space.
- Aggressive Pressing: Unlike the deep-block resilience employed by Morocco in Qatar 2022, Ouahbi’s teams are known for pressing high up the pitch and recovering possession quickly.
- Youth Integration: Having coached the U-20 and U-23 sides, Ouahbi is keen to fast-track young stars like Othmane Maamma and Yassir Zabiri into the senior squad.
- Balance: His coaching philosophy stresses “collective strength” over individual brilliance, ensuring the team remains compact while utilizing blistering pace on the wings.
A High-Performance Technical Team
To complement Ouahbi’s expertise, the FRMF has assembled a world-class support staff. Joining him as an assistant is João Sacramento, the Portuguese tactical expert who previously worked under José Mourinho at both Tottenham Hotspur and AS Roma. Moroccan football legend Youssouf Hadji will also play a key role on the bench, offering invaluable insight and bridging the team’s past and future.
The Road to North America
Ouahbi’s first task is monumental. With less than 100 days until the World Cup opener against Brazil on June 13, he faces the challenge of stabilizing a squad still nursing the wounds of a heartbreaking AFCON 2025 final defeat.
“I am aware of the expectations,” Ouahbi remarked during his inaugural press conference. “Our goal is not just to participate but to cement Morocco’s place among the best footballing nations in the world.”
