Rabat—Walid Regragui’s chapter with Morocco’s national football team officially came to an end yesterday on March 5, closing one of the most successful eras in the history of the Atlas Lions. His departure, announced just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has put an end to a record tenure of 49 matches, in which he secured 36 wins, 8 draws, and only 5 defeats.
Regragui himself acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment when speaking about his decision to step aside. “No one can take away that I gave everything, with honesty and total commitment,” he said at the press conference.
The coach also explained that his departure was part of the natural evolution of football at the highest level. “In high-level football, there are cycles. Sometimes the dynamic needs new faces and different energy.”
While the announcement marks the end of his tenure, his legacy with the Atlas Lions is already written into football history.
From Wydad glory to the national team
Before taking charge of Morocco, Regragui had already built a strong reputation as a coach in club football. A former Moroccan international defender, he started his coaching career with FUS Rabat, winning the Moroccan Botola and Throne Cup before later leading clubs in Qatar.
His biggest breakthrough came in 2022 with Wydad Athletic Club. In his first season, he led the Casablanca giants to the Botola title and then guided them to CAF Champions League glory, defeating Al Ahly in the final.
That success earned him the job as Morocco’s national team coach in August 2022, only months before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Few could have predicted what would follow.
The historic World Cup run
Walid Regragui’s crowning moment as Morocco’s head coach was undoubtedly the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He led the Atlas Lions on a historic run that caught the entire world off guard, transforming the team into global icons as they became the first African and Arab team to ever reach a World Cup semi-final.
Under his leadership, the Atlas Lions defeated Belgium in the group stage, eliminated Spain on penalties in the round of 16, and then beat Portugal 1–0 in the quarterfinals thanks to Youssef En-Nesyri’s decisive goal.
That win sent Morocco to the semi-finals, making them the first African and Arab nation ever to reach the last four of a World Cup. That campaign became a moment of immense pride for the country and the wider African and Arab football community.
Regragui’s leadership, emotional connection with his players and discipline were widely praised around the world. In 2023, he was named CAF’s Best Coach of the Year for guiding Morocco to that historic achievement.
Beyond the World Cup, Regragui undeniably helped elevate Morocco to a new level on the international stage. During his tenure, the Atlas Lions went on an impressive run that included achieving a historic 19-match winning streak, which is the world record for a men’s national team.
He also guided Morocco to the final of the 2025 AFCON, hosted on home soil, although the team ultimately fell just short of lifting the trophy.
Players pay tribute
Following the announcement of his departure, several Morocco players publicly paid tribute to the coach who helped define a generation.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou shared an emotional message on Instagram. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all those moments shared. Thank you for changing the destiny of an entire nation that lives and dies for football. You have marked the history of Moroccan and African football like never before, and you have always defended these colors with pride.”
He continued, “I wish you much joy in your next personal and professional steps. Big kisses to you and the whole family, dear friend.”
Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi also paid tribute in a message posted on the social network X. “Your leadership, passion, and vision inspired not only the players but also an entire country and millions of fans around the world,” Hakimi wrote.
“You have left an unforgettable mark in the history of Moroccan football. Thank you for making us dream and for carrying our colors with so much pride. Legend.”
Forward Sofiane Boufal also reacted on Instagram, sharing images alongside the coach with a simple message: “Thank you for everything.”
Young midfielder Bilal El Khannouss mentioned the personal impact Regragui had on him. “Beyond football, I learned a lot alongside you, both on the pitch and off it. Your high standards, your vision, and your trust helped me grow as a player and as a man. I sincerely wish you the very best for the next chapter of your journey. May success follow you wherever you go.”
Striker Youssef En-Nesyri also praised the coach’s influence on the squad. “You were much more than a coach: a leader who always believed in us and who allowed us to experience unforgettable moments with our national team.”
The players’ messages echo a shared consensus: Regragui was more than just a coach. He was seen as a leader and a friend who understood the mentality of the squad and helped build unity between players born in Morocco and those raised abroad.
A new era begins
Regragui’s resignation came after weeks of speculation about his future and growing debate among supporters following recent international results.
Despite the optics of leaving months before the 2026 World Cup, Regragui insisted the decision was made with Morocco’s best interests in mind. Sometimes change is necessary for a team to continue evolving.
Following the announcement, attention quickly turned toward the future of the Atlas Lions. The FRMF has already moved to appoint his successor. Mohamed Ouahbi will take charge of the Atlas Lions, with former José Mourinho assistant João Sacramento and ex-Morocco international Youssouf Hadji joining the staff as assistants.
Ouahbi is a very well-known and liked figure within Moroccan football. Since March 2022, he has played a huge part in the national youth setup, most notably guiding Morocco’s U20 team to a historic FIFA U20 World Cup title in 2025 after a 2–0 victory over Argentina in the final, the country’s first title at that level.
Before joining the federation, he spent 17 years working in Anderlecht’s academy in Belgium, helping develop young players who later progressed to Europe’s top leagues. Holding a UEFA Pro License, Ouahbi is known for his discipline, structured approach, and emphasis on long-term development. His promotion shows the federation’s strategy of Moroccan continuity through youth development.
Regardless of what happens next, Regragui’s impact on Moroccan football is undeniable. In less than four years, he transformed the Atlas Lions into a team capable of competing with the world’s best and feared by football’s elite. His legacy will have united millions of fans and inspired a generation of young footballers across Africa and the Arab world.
