The position of Morocco head coach Walid Regragui is facing serious uncertainty just four months before the World Cup kicks off in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Moroccan football association denied on Tuesday that Regragui had left his role, but confirmed it has spoken to potential replacements. Among those contacted is former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez.
No agreement has been reached with the Spaniard. A source with knowledge of Xavi’s situation said the 46-year-old would prefer to take the job after this summer’s World Cup rather than before it. Regragui, 50, led Morocco to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. That run was the furthest any African nation has ever gone in the tournament. However, his team has failed to win either of the last two Africa Cup of Nations competitions.
In 2023, Morocco exited in the round of 16 in Ivory Coast. Then just last month, the team missed out on winning the Cup of Nations for the first time since 1976. As hosts of the tournament, they lost a controversial final to Senegal in extra time.
Growing Pressure and Expectations
Investment in Moroccan football over the past 15 years has raised both possibilities and expectations across the country. Regragui has faced questions about his future and criticism of his team’s playing style, which some see as too pragmatic.
Before the recent Africa Cup of Nations, Regragui spoke about how his team would need to suffer at times during the tournament. “We will not win every game 5-0,” he said.
But many in Morocco wanted more than just victory. After years of investment in stadiums, facilities and players by the country’s leadership, there was a feeling the team should win in style.
Regragui guided Morocco to the final, but their performances were rarely exciting. Throughout the tournament, he faced repeated questions from journalists about whether he would stay in the job.
After the final loss to Senegal, which many saw as controversial, a Moroccan reporter opened the post-match press conference by asking Regragui directly if he planned to resign.
What Comes Next
Morocco has been drawn in a World Cup group with Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. The tournament will take place across North America starting in June.
If Regragui leaves now, he will be remembered as the coach who took an African nation further than ever before at a World Cup. But he will also be the coach who could not win on home soil despite having strong resources available.
Whoever takes over would face the same high expectations. Not long ago, simply getting out of the group stage at a World Cup felt like an achievement for Morocco. Now, that is seen as the minimum target.
Xavi had a decorated playing career at Barcelona, where he won four Champions League titles and eight La Liga championships. He also won the World Cup with Spain in 2010. As a coach, he spent three years in charge of Barcelona between 2021 and 2024, following a spell with Qatari club Al-Saad.