RABAT – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global football community, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) officially confirmed on March 5, 2026, that Walid Regragui has stepped down from his position as the head coach of the Moroccan national team.
The announcement, which comes just 100 days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America, marks the close of a transformative era, one that reshaped the African football landscape and thrust Morocco onto the world stage.
A Mutual Farewell
Regragui’s decision to part ways with the national team came by mutual consent. After nearly four years at the helm, the man who became a national icon cited the need for a “fresh vision” and “different energy” to lead the squad into the challenges of the upcoming tournament. While the timing caught many by surprise, insiders speculate that the emotional and physical strain of hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations played a role. Despite a heartbreaking 1–0 loss to Senegal in that final, Regragui leaves with his head held high and a legacy firmly cemented.
The Statistical Legacy of a Legend
Beyond the emotional impact, the numbers speak for themselves, illustrating the work of a manager who propelled the Atlas Lions to international prominence. Under Regragui’s leadership from August 2022 to March 2026, Morocco achieved:
- Total Command: 49 official matches, spanning two World Cup cycles and a historic home AFCON.
- Victorious Record: 36 wins, meaning Morocco triumphed in 74% of matches during his tenure.
- Defensive Resilience: A master tactician, Regragui’s teams were famously difficult to break down, suffering only 8 draws and 5 losses in over three years.
- The Unbeatable Streak: Between June 2024 and December 2025, Morocco set a world-record 19-match winning streak, a feat unmatched by any African nation in history.
- Global Standing: Under his leadership, Morocco climbed to 8th in the FIFA World Rankings—an all-time high for both African and Arab nations.
- Tournament Pedigree: Regragui remains the first African coach to lead a team to a FIFA World Cup semi-final (Qatar 2022), and he followed that success by guiding the nation to the 2025 AFCON Final.
The Architect of the Impossible
When Regragui took over in 2022, few could have predicted the meteoric rise that followed. He didn’t just coach a team; he fostered a brotherhood. His “Avocado Head” persona became a symbol of tactical brilliance and humble leadership. Regragui modernized Morocco’s scouting network, seamlessly integrating world-class talents like Brahim Díaz and Eliesse Ben Seghir into a cohesive unit.
His departure marks the end of a golden era, but as federation officials noted, he leaves the “jersey in a better place.”
The New Dawn: Mohamed Ouahbi Takes the Reins
In a seamless transition, the FRMF has appointed Mohamed Ouahbi as the new head coach. Ouahbi, the mastermind behind Morocco’s recent FIFA U-20 World Cup victory in Chile, will now step up to the senior role.
Ouahbi inherits a squad under pressure to perform, beginning with a 2026 World Cup group that includes Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. His first test comes later this month with friendlies against Ecuador (March 27) and Paraguay (March 31).
Walid Regragui didn’t just win matches; he captured the hearts of millions. He gave a generation of African football fans the belief that the “ceiling” for the continent’s footballing future no longer exists.
