Morocco's Head Coach Walid Regragui Tenders Resignation After AFCON Final Defeat
In a significant development for African football, Morocco's head coach, Walid Regragui, has reportedly submitted his resignation to the Moroccan Football Federation. This move comes in the aftermath of Morocco's dramatic defeat in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal, a match that ended their hopes of securing a major international trophy.
Exhaustion and Future Challenges Cited as Reasons
According to sources close to the situation, Regragui is said to be exhausted following a demanding tournament campaign. With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers set to commence in just a few months, the workload shows no signs of abating, adding to the pressure on the coach. The Moroccan Football Federation, however, has not accepted his resignation at this time and is actively engaged in efforts to convince him to remain in his position for a longer period.
Potential Move to Saudi Pro League Looms
Should Regragui ultimately depart from his role with the national team, speculation suggests he is likely to join the Saudi Pro League, where his managerial expertise would be highly valued. This potential transition marks a pivotal moment in his career, which has seen remarkable success both on and off the pitch.
A Stellar Managerial Career and Historic Achievements
Walid Regragui, born in France, enjoyed a respectable playing career with clubs such as Toulouse, AC Ajaccio, Grenoble, and Racing Santander. However, it is his managerial prowess that has truly set him apart. As the former head coach of Wydad AC, he led the Moroccan club to victory in the CAF Champions League, cementing his reputation as a top-tier tactician.
Since taking charge of the Moroccan national team in 2022, Regragui's tenure has been nothing short of extraordinary. He guided the Atlas Lions to a historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup, a feat that captured global attention. Under his leadership, Morocco also mounted an impressive campaign in the AFCON 2025 tournament, coming agonizingly close to winning their first international trophy since 1976, only to fall short in a penalty shootout during the final.
Regragui is widely regarded as the most successful Moroccan international head coach in history, having transformed the team into a formidable force on the world stage. His potential departure would leave a significant void in Moroccan football, as the federation continues to deliberate on the best path forward for the national squad.
