Mohamed Ouahbi Named New Head Coach of Morocco National Team

Morocco has appointed Mohamed Ouahbi as its new head coach, replacing Walid Regragui just three months before the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The change comes after a period of scrutiny following the team’s performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

Regragui Departs After Africa Cup of Nations Final Appearance

Walid Regragui, who led Morocco to a historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, has departed his position. The Atlas Lions lost 1-0 to Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final after extra time, a match marked by controversy after a late penalty awarded to Senegal source. Regragui expressed his belief that the team needed a “fresh face” and a “new vision” to continue progressing source.

Ouahbi Steps Up from Under-23 Role

Mohamed Ouahbi, 49, has been promoted from the under-23 side to take the helm of the national team source. This mirrors Regragui’s appointment in August 2022, which came just three months before the World Cup. Ouahbi previously guided Morocco’s U-20 team to the 2025 U-20 World Cup title source.

Morocco’s World Cup Campaign

Morocco will face a challenging group in the 2026 World Cup, competing against Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland source. Their campaign begins on June 13th against five-time champions Brazil.

Federation’s Statement on the Change

A statement from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) indicated that the change was not simply a replacement, but aimed at ensuring the “continuous development of Moroccan football through a structured roadmap” source.

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi expressed his gratitude to Regragui, stating he “left an unforgettable mark on the history of Moroccan football” source.