Crisis for Moroccan National Team as Coach Regragui Resigns

The Moroccan national football team is currently engulfed in a crisis following the unexpected resignation of coach Walid Regragui. The timing of this announcement is particularly detrimental, as the Atlas Lions are set to commence their 2026 World Cup campaign in North America in just four months. Regragui, who has been instrumental in Morocco’s remarkable ascent over the past four years, has reportedly notified the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) of his intention to step down immediately.

This decision comes after a series of emotional highs and lows for the squad. Morocco recently reached the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking their first appearance in this prestigious tournament since 2004. However, a narrow 1-0 loss to Senegal in a match fraught with officiating controversies and post-match tensions appears to have been the tipping point for the manager. While fans expected the team to capitalize on this momentum heading into the World Cup, Regragui seems convinced that his tenure has reached its natural conclusion.

Reports from Foot Mercato indicate that Regragui’s resignation is not a reaction to a single incident, but rather a culmination of sustained “mental exhaustion.” The demands of leading Africa’s most successful modern team have reportedly taken a toll on the 50-year-old, who has been under relentless scrutiny since taking the helm in 2022. Despite the continuous support from both the Moroccan public and the federation, he feels unable to muster the energy required for a major international tournament.

The 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the AFCON final was a particularly bitter disappointment. Having successfully guided Morocco to a historic World Cup semi-final in Qatar, Regragui was eager to secure a continental trophy for the nation. The loss, coupled with the immense expectations from a country now viewing itself as a global footballing power, has left the manager feeling depleted. Insiders describe his resignation as a thoughtful and mature decision rather than a hasty reaction to the AFCON finale.

Despite Regragui’s desire to leave, his resignation is not yet official. The FRMF, led by president Fouzi Lekjaa, is currently engaged in high-level discussions regarding the acceptance or rejection of his resignation. There is a strong sentiment within the federation that Regragui is uniquely qualified to lead the team through the upcoming World Cup, and significant efforts are anticipated to convince him to remain for one final mission across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Indeed, RMC Sport reports that while the FRMF has dismissed rumors of his resignation, the coach is already in conversations with clubs in Saudi Arabia regarding a potential move.

A statement from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) read: “The FRMF categorically denies the information reported by certain news outlets stating that Walid Regragui, coach of the National ‘A’ team, has submitted his resignation.”

Should this truly mark the end of Regragui’s tenure, he would depart with an unparalleled legacy in Moroccan football history, having led the team to 36 victories out of 49 matches. His time in charge was characterized by defensive solidity and tactical discipline, enabling Morocco to compete with traditional footballing giants such as Spain, Portugal, and Belgium on the world stage.

Beyond the statistics, Regragui has significantly altered the global perception of African football. As the first African manager to guide a team to a World Cup semi-final, he shattered a long-standing glass ceiling. His potential departure just months before the 2026 tournament presents a cruel twist of fate for a squad that seemed poised to vie for the title itself. Whether the federation can persuade him to reconsider or if a new era must commence amid considerable pressure remains one of the most pressing questions in African sport today.