Ouahbi replaces Regragui as Morocco coach
Mohamed Ouahbi takes over for history-maker Walid Regragui as Morocco coach ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Ouahbi assumes Morocco post three months ahead of World Cup 2026
Regragui led Atlas Lions to fourth place at Qatar 2022
Morocco will face Brazil, Haiti and Scotland at this year's showpiece
Mohamed Ouahbi has replaced Walid Regragui as Morocco head coach just three months ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
The Belgium-born 49-year-old tactician will be tasked with leading Morocco at World Cup 2026, where the Atlas Lions have been drawn in Group C with Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland.
Ouahbi made a name for himself on the international stage last year by winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025™. In Chile, his Atlas Cubs brilliantly defeated Argentina 2-0 in the final, with his two protégés, Othmane Maamma and Yassir Zabiri, being awarded the adidas Golden Ball and Silver Ball respectively. Ouahbi also coached at the prestigious RSC Anderlecht training centre, where he won the Belgian U-17 Championship in 2018.
"Today, as I take on the responsibility of leading the national team, I am aware of the expectations placed upon me and feel very honoured," said Ouahbi in a press conference. "I am truly committed to working with dedication, humility, determination and, above all, a great deal of patriotism to continue to improve this team, because it has already made enormous progress. And as it is a young team, I believe it is a team that can still improve a lot and make the Moroccan people proud of their national team.
"I would also like to end by thanking Walid Regragui from the bottom of my heart, first as a fellow Moroccan, for everything you have given us. And also as U-20 coach, for all your support over the last four years, your advice, your encouragement and your closeness, even though you were not obliged to be so close to the younger national team players. And as coach, thank you for the legacy you have left us today."
Regragui, 50, had led the team since 2022, having been appointed shortly after winning the CAF Champions League with Wydad.
He oversaw a whirlwind preparation period to get his team ready for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and went on to mastermind Morocco’s historic campaign at the showpiece tournament. The Atlas Lions became the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals, with Regragui’s side overcoming Belgium, Spain and Portugal during an unforgettable run. They lost to France in the semis before being edged out by Croatia in the play-off for third place.
Under Regragui’s leadership, Morocco also finished runners-up at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025, where they were beaten by Senegal in the final.
In African qualifying for World Cup 2026, meanwhile, Morocco soared to eight wins from eight games to emphatically book their ticket to North America. In total, Regragui’s tenure spanned 49 matches in which Morocco recorded 36 wins, eight draws and five defeats.
"Today, my decision to leave is part of the team's evolution," said Regragui. "This decision is not a surrender, on the contrary, but a thoughtful choice for the good of our country and our football. Today, I am leaving behind a strong team that knows its worth and is no longer afraid to pursue its ambitions. It is a team that is uninhibited and no longer afraid to take on the best.
"And finally, of course, the supporters. Your support and energy have been invaluable. At every match, you carried us; you were our twelfth man. I leave behind ambitious and demanding supporters, but their expectations are legitimate. Now, every Moroccan supporter expects the best from this team, and that is only natural. I leave my position with loyalty, gratitude and pride in having served my country."