Morocco Changes Course: Ouahbi Named New National Team Coach
Morocco has swiftly appointed Mohamed Ouahbi as its new head coach, replacing Walid Regragui just four months before the highly anticipated World Cup finals. The move, announced on Friday, March 6, 2026, comes after Regragui guided the Atlas Lions to a historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – a first for any African nation.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) stated that the change is “not simply a change,” but rather a strategic move “to ensure the continuous development of Moroccan football through a structured roadmap.” Ouahbi, 49, steps up from his role with the under-23 side, mirroring Regragui’s own appointment just three months before the 2022 tournament.
Regragui, who also led Morocco to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final – a 1-0 loss to Senegal after extra time – expressed his belief that a “fresh face” was needed. “The team needs a fresh face, a different energy, and a new perspective with a new coach,” he said. “I think the team needs a new lease of life before the World Cup, a new vision to continue progressing. My decision to leave is part of this team’s evolution.”
The timing of the change comes as Morocco prepares to face a challenging Group C in the World Cup, opening their campaign against five-time champions Brazil on June 13. They will also face Scotland and Haiti in the group stage, with the tournament being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi took to social media to acknowledge Regragui’s impact, stating he “left an unforgettable mark on the history of Moroccan football.”
According to Jeune Afrique, the FRMF acted quickly to finalize the appointment. Instagram reports that FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa announced Ouahbi’s appointment on Thursday.
Further bolstering the technical staff, reports from Foot Mercato suggest that Joao Sacramento may join Ouahbi’s team. This appointment is part of the FRMF’s broader “Morocco 2030” strategic plan, as detailed in an official FRMF statement.
