Walid Regragui: The Moroccan coach leaves, and Mohamed Wehbe takes over

Morocco also reached the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at home, but lost 1-0 to Senegal after extra time in a dramatic match in which their rival temporarily refused to play after the hosts were awarded a stoppage-time penalty which Brahim Diaz later missed.

Regragui added: “The team needs a new face, a different energy and a new perspective with a new coach.”

“I think the team needs new life before the World Cup, and a new vision to continue progressing. My decision to leave is part of the development of this team.”

They have been under intense pressure to achieve their first continental title since 1976, and speculation has been growing in recent weeks that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) is about to make a change.

Moroccan national team captain Achraf Hakimi said on social media that Regragui “left an unforgettable mark on the history of Moroccan football.”

Morocco will open its World Cup campaign against Brazil, winners of the title five times, on June 13.

The North African team will also face Scotland and Haiti in the third group of the tournament, which is being held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The Atlas Lions will meet Ecuador and Paraguay in friendly matches during the international window next month.