Head coach Walid Regragui has stepped down from his role with the Morocco national football team, raising fresh questions about the side’s preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Moroccan Football Federation confirmed that Regragui’s resignation comes just months before the global tournament, leaving the Atlas Lions searching for a new manager at a critical stage of their World Cup build-up.
Regragui, who took charge in 2022, guided Morocco to one of the most remarkable runs in World Cup history during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Under his leadership, Morocco became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of the tournament, defeating major football powers including Spain and Portugal before eventually finishing fourth.
His success turned him into a national hero and elevated Morocco’s reputation on the global football stage. However, reports in recent months suggested growing pressure on the coach following mixed results in international friendlies and qualifying matches.
In a brief statement, Regragui thanked the Moroccan football authorities, players, and fans for their support during his tenure.
“It has been an honour to serve my country and work with an incredible group of players. I will always be proud of what we achieved together,” he said.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation acknowledged his contributions, praising his role in transforming the team into a global contender and inspiring millions of fans across Africa and the Arab world.
The federation said it would soon announce interim arrangements while the search begins for a permanent replacement to lead Morocco into the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Morocco boasts a strong generation of players featuring stars such as Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, and Sofyan Amrabat, and expectations remain high that the team can build on its historic achievements.
Football analysts say the timing of Regragui’s departure could disrupt preparations, but Morocco still has time to stabilize under new leadership before the tournament begins.
For fans across Morocco and Africa, the focus now shifts to who will take charge of the Atlas Lions as they aim to replicate—or surpass—their historic World Cup success.
