Regragui confirmed the decision during a late-night press conference on Thursday alongside Fouzi Lekjaa, who paid tribute to the outgoing coach for his contributions to Moroccan football.
“The team needs a fresh face, a different energy, and a new perspective with a new coach,” Regragui said. “I think the team needs a new lease of life before the World Cup, a new vision to continue progressing.”
The 50-year-old coach made history by guiding Morocco to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the last four of the tournament. However, his position came under heavy scrutiny earlier this year after Morocco failed to win the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, losing 1-0 to the Senegal national football team in the final in January.
Following the resignation, the Moroccan football federation has appointed Mohamed Ouahbi as Regragui’s successor. The 49-year-old recently led Morocco’s under-20 side to the FIFA U‑20 World Cup title and previously managed the country’s under-23 team. Much of his coaching career has been spent working with youth teams at Belgian club RSC Anderlecht.
“This team already has strong foundations,” Ouahbi said. “I’m not here to build, but to keep performing.”
Ouahbi also confirmed that João Sacramento, a former assistant at Paris Saint‑Germain F.C., will join his coaching staff. Sacramento previously worked under José Mourinho at AS Roma and Tottenham Hotspur F.C..
Regragui, a former defender who played for Spanish side Racing Santander, had been in charge since 2022. His tactical approach, often criticised for being overly defensive, also drew scrutiny following Morocco’s disappointing continental campaigns in recent years.
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi paid tribute to the departing coach on social media, describing him as a “legend” whose leadership inspired players and fans alike.
Morocco is currently investing heavily in football infrastructure as part of its ambition to become a global football hub. The country will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, with plans to stage the final at the proposed Hassan II Stadium, expected to hold around 115,000 spectators once completed in 2028.
Before the World Cup kicks off on June 11, Morocco will play warm-up matches against Ecuador national football team on March 27 and Paraguay national football team on March 31.
At the tournament itself, the Atlas Lions have been drawn in Group C alongside Brazil national football team, Haiti national football team, and Scotland national football team.