The Moroccan national football team is on the cusp of a modern era, with reports indicating the imminent departure of head coach Walid Regragui. The move comes as the Royal Moroccan Football Federation explores options to restructure the technical staff ahead of upcoming competitions, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This shift signals a significant change for the Atlas Lions, who captured the imagination of the world with a historic semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Regragui took the helm of the national team in August 2022, succeeding Vahid Halilhodžić. His tenure, while relatively short, was marked by that impressive World Cup performance, a feat that raised expectations for the future of Moroccan football. However, recent results have prompted the federation to consider a change in leadership, aiming to build upon the foundation laid by Regragui and propel the team to further success. The timing of this transition is crucial as Morocco prepares for the challenges ahead.
New Leadership in Sight: Joao Sacramento and Mohamed Wahbi
According to multiple reports, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation is considering a dual appointment to lead the team forward. Mohamed Wahbi, the current coach of Morocco’s under-20 team – who recently won the under-20 World Cup – is being eyed as the next head coach. Alongside Wahbi, Portuguese coach Joao Sacramento, a long-time assistant to Jose Mourinho, is a strong candidate to join the technical staff. Discussions between Sacramento and Moroccan officials have reportedly taken place to explore his potential role within the new setup, as reported on March 3, 2026 by Al Gomhor.
Sacramento brings a wealth of experience from top-tier European clubs, having worked with Mourinho at Paris Saint-Germain, Roma, and Al-Duhail. He too had a stint as head coach of Lask Linz in Austria. His multilingual abilities – fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and French – could prove valuable in communicating with a diverse squad. Erem News highlights Sacramento’s linguistic skills as a potential asset.
Transition Underway: Regragui’s Departure and Wahbi’s Expected Appointment
The process of finalizing Regragui’s departure is reportedly underway, with the coach having returned to Morocco to sign an agreement to terminate his contract. Some administrative procedures remain before an official announcement can be made, but the path is clearing for Wahbi to take the reins. Le Matin Sport indicates that Wahbi is expected to lead the team in preparation for upcoming challenges, most notably the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The potential appointment of Wahbi represents a commitment to developing homegrown talent and building a long-term project for the national team. The federation appears to be prioritizing a fresh approach, injecting new energy into the technical leadership. The composition of the wider technical staff is also being finalized, with names like Rachid Benmahmoud and Youssef Hadji reportedly under consideration for assistant roles, as detailed by Almaghrebsport.
Interestingly, reports have also surfaced linking Regragui with a potential move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, potentially replacing Sergio Conceição. 24.ae reports that Al-Ittihad is considering the Moroccan coach due to dissatisfaction with the team’s current performance.
The coming weeks will be critical as the Royal Moroccan Football Federation finalizes the details of the new technical staff and prepares for the challenges ahead. The appointment of Wahbi and the potential addition of Sacramento signal a clear intent to build a competitive team capable of achieving success on the international stage. The focus now shifts to ensuring a smooth transition and maximizing the potential of the Moroccan national team.
What impact will this change in leadership have on Morocco’s performance in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion.
