Morocco’s football authorities are working to keep head coach Walid Regragui in charge after he submitted his resignation in the aftermath of the Africa Cup of Nations final.
The 49-year-old tactician reportedly offered to step aside following Morocco’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Senegal after extra time in the AFCON final, a match that remained goalless at the end of regulation. According to Foot Mercato, Regragui had privately linked his future with the national team to the outcome of the tournament and felt it was appropriate to tender his resignation after falling just short of the title.
However, local reports suggest the Moroccan Football Federation is unwilling to let him go. Morocco World News reports that Regragui is physically and mentally drained after a gruelling campaign, especially with preparations for the 2026 World Cup set to intensify in the coming months. Despite this, federation officials are said to be urging him to remain in charge.
If his departure is eventually confirmed, sources indicate he could attract interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
Born in France, Regragui enjoyed a playing career that included spells at Toulouse, AC Ajaccio, Grenoble and Racing Santander, but it is as a coach that he truly made his mark. He won the CAF Champions League with Wydad AC and established himself as one of Africa’s most respected managers.
The former Wydad Casablanca boss is widely regarded as the most successful head coach in Morocco’s international football history and came within a single penalty of delivering the country’s first major international trophy since 1976.
Since taking over the Atlas Lions in 2022, Regragui has overseen a golden period for Moroccan football, leading the team to a historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and another strong showing at AFCON 2025, reinforcing his legacy regardless of what decision lies ahead.
