Morocco ends association with coach Regragui ahead of upcoming World Cup

On Thursday, Morocco's national football team severed ties with head coach Walid Regragui, only three months prior to the World Cup, while the federation announced Mohamed Ouahbi as his successor.

Regragui departs even after guiding the Atlas Lions to the semi finals of the 2022 World Cup and to the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier this year.

"I am stepping down with loyalty, appreciation, and full confidence that I have contributed to my nation," he stated at a televised event, thereby validating long standing speculations about his imminent exit.

At 49 years old, Ouahbi advances to the position following his success in leading Morocco to victory at the Under 20 World Cup last October, with officials labelling the change as a calculated shift ahead of the North American World Cup scheduled for June and July.

"This reflects an intention to avoid delays and pursue a fresh approach," an insider from the Moroccan Federation shared with AFP.

"Through selecting Mohamed Ouahbi and integrating elite additions, we aim to elevate our expectations and performance levels," the insider added.

In the World Cup, Morocco finds itself in Group C alongside Brazil, the five time champions, Scotland, and Haiti.

Their tournament kicks off versus Brazil at MetLife Stadium near New York City on June 13, and they seek to leave a strong mark before jointly hosting the 2030 edition with Spain and Portugal.

"We intend to secure our status among top global teams on a lasting basis and deliver strong results starting this summer and extending to 2030," remarked Fouzi Lekjaa, head of the Moroccan federation, in a recent statement.

Regragui earned widespread praise in 2022 when Morocco achieved a historic milestone as the first African side to advance to the World Cup semi finals, overcoming Spain and Portugal en route.

Nevertheless, Regragui appears to have borne the consequences for how Morocco fell in the latest Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.

The squad suffered a 1 0 defeat after extra time in a contest disrupted by Senegal's players leaving the field to protest a contentious late penalty given to the home side.

The penalty decision, with the score still level, incited unrest among Senegal supporters in the stands, resulting in 18 arrests due to the disturbances.

Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid stepped up for the spot kick following an extended interruption, but his effort was stopped, allowing Senegal to claim the victory.