Regragui departs as Morocco appoint Ouahbi as new coach

Walid Regragui guided Wydad Casablanca to the African Champions League title in 2022 before taking the Morocco job Morocco have parted company with head coach Walid Regragui less than four months before the World Cup finals. The 50-year-old led the Atlas Lions to the semi-finals at the Qatar 2022 tournament - making history as the first African side to progress to the last four of the finals. Mohamed Ouahbi, 49, has stepped up from the under-23 side to be the new head coach in a move that mirrors Regragui taking charge in August 2022, just three months before that World Cup. A statement said: "This is not simply a change. The objective is to ensure the continuous development of Moroccan football through a structured roadmap." Morocco also reached the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final on home soil, but lost 1-0 to Senegal after extra time in a dramatic match in which their opponents temporarily refused to play after the hosts were awarded a stoppage-time penalty that was subsequently missed by Brahim Diaz. "The team needs a fresh face, a different energy, and a new perspective with a new coach," added Regragui. "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." He had been under intense pressure to deliver a first continental title since 1976, and speculation had been gathering in recent weeks that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) were set to make a change. Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi said on social media how Regragui "left an unforgettable mark on the history of Moroccan football". Morocco open their World Cup campaign against five-time champions Brazil on 13 June. The North Africans will also face Scotland and Haiti in Group C of the tournament, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The Atlas Lions meet Ecuador and Paraguay in friendly matches during next month's international window. Disillusionment and disbelief - thousands leave early as Spurs in freefall McCullum wants to stay as England coach – will he get the chance? Caf postpones Wafcon 2026 just 12 days before kick-off Could we have a four-way title fight as F1 enters a new era? A daughter’s extraordinary act to save her mother What's really going on inside the brains of pregnant women? Join Sara Cox on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Royal Library Disillusionment and disbelief - thousands leave early as Spurs in freefall India reach T20 World Cup final as England fall short. Video India reach T20 World Cup final as England fall short Norris, Verstappen, Russell - and will it be any good? Key F1 storylines How relegation could cost Spurs more than £250m 'Brave and brilliant, Russell has compelling case as Scotland's greatest' McCullum wants to stay as England coach – will he get the chance? How Old Firm cup tie could provide Premiership momentum 'Only one team tried to play' - Hurzeler criticises Arsenal Ten-man Newcastle score late winner to beat Man Utd. Video Ten-man Newcastle score late winner to beat Man Utd Meet GB's first female Paralympic snowboarder Watershed moment as Russia's sporting exile ends Why does Scotland lead the way on football headers? All you need to know about new F1 cars Haaland? Kane? R9? Ranking the best centre-forwards this century 'I cheated head-injury assessment to play on in 2017 Lions Test' 'I knew the risks, I'd do it again' - Moody opens up in new BBC documentary New era of Formula 1 - what is changing in 2026? 'There were tears - but I had to peek behind curtain of head injuries in rugby' Iran, the US, and a World Cup that starts in three months Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.