Morocco, Brazil's opponent in the Cup, changes coach
Morocco has appointed Mohamed Ouahbi as its new coach after Walid Regragui stepped down three months ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Three months before the 2026 World Cup, Morocco has experienced a significant change in its coaching staff, following the departure of Walid Regragui, who had led the team to the semifinals in Qatar in 2022. Regragui expressed his feelings of loyalty and gratitude during a live television ceremony, stating that after careful analysis, he believed the team needed a new boost ahead of the World Cup. He emphasized his commitment and felt proud of the historic achievements made during his tenure.
The discussion surrounding Regragui's departure had been ongoing in Morocco, especially after the national team suffered a disappointing loss to Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in January. This defeat raised questions about the team's direction, leading to the decision for a coaching change. Mohamed Ouahbi has now been appointed as Regragui's successor, bringing new hopes for Morocco as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.
This change reflects Morocco's proactive approach to enhance their performance ahead of a major tournament, aiming to build on the momentum from their prior success in Qatar. The appointment of Ouahbi signifies a critical moment for Moroccan football, as they seek to be competitive against Brazil and other formidable teams in the World Cup and to restore confidence following recent setbacks.