Walid Regragui has resigned from his position as head coach of the Moroccan national team. This follows Morocco’s loss to Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Moroccan Football Federation has not yet made an official statement on the matter.
The decision comes after a tournament where Regragui very nearly led the Atlas Lions to a historic victory. Under his guidance, Morocco reached their first AFCON final since 2004, building on their celebrated run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022. The team was seconds away from a penalty shootout in the final when a missed penalty sealed their fate.
Despite the painful end, Regragui’s tenure has been marked by success. He leaves with the best record of any coach in the history of the Moroccan national team. Before the tournament, he had stated he was the right man to win the title with Morocco, and he came exceptionally close to achieving that goal.
Reports indicate that the coach himself has chosen to step down. It is understood that Regragui felt his future was tied to the team’s performance in the competition. While not solely blamed for the final defeat, the 50-year-old coach has reportedly grown weary of the intense pressures of the role. He has decided to leave even with the 2026 World Cup less than six months away.
The focus now shifts to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). They must decide whether to accept his resignation. If they refuse, Regragui would be expected to continue leading the team’s preparation for the upcoming World Cup. The team has shown strong support for him in the past, which the Federation is aware of.
However, if the Federation agrees to his departure, they will need to quickly find a new coach to guide the national team forward. An announcement from the football authorities is expected soon.
Source: Footmercato