File Photo: Morocco's head coach Walid Regragui in Rabat. AFP
The Moroccan football federation said Ouahbi, 49, would take over after guiding the country to victory at the Under-20 World Cup in October, describing the move as a “strategic transition” ahead of the tournament in North America in June and July.
Regragui departs despite leading Morocco to unprecedented success in recent years, including a historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and a runner-up finish at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
“I leave my post with loyalty, gratitude, and the certainty that I have served my country,” Regragui said during a ceremony broadcast live on television, confirming weeks of speculation about his future.
A source close to the Moroccan federation told AFP the decision reflected a desire to change direction as the country prepares for the World Cup.
“It’s a desire not to waste time and to take a different direction,” the source said.
“By appointing Mohamed Ouahbi and welcoming top-tier reinforcements, we are raising our standards and our demands.”
Morocco have been drawn in Group C at the World Cup alongside five-time champions Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.
They will open their campaign against Brazil at the MetLife Stadium outside New York City on 13 June as they seek to build on their recent rise in international football.
Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa recently said Morocco aims to establish itself among the world’s top football nations while preparing for a larger goal — co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
“Our ambition is to consolidate our place among the best nations in a sustainable way and to perform well from this summer, as well as in 2030,” Lekjaa said.
Regragui was widely celebrated in 2022 after guiding Morocco to become the first African side in World Cup history to reach the semi-finals, defeating Spain and Portugal during their remarkable run in Qatar.
However, his tenure appeared to be undermined by the manner of Morocco’s defeat in the recent Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.
Morocco lost 1-0 after extra time in a tense match overshadowed by controversy when Senegal’s players briefly walked off the pitch in protest against a late penalty awarded to the hosts while the game remained goalless.
The decision sparked unrest among Senegal supporters in the stands, with 18 fans later jailed following the disturbances.
Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz eventually took the delayed penalty but saw his effort saved before Senegal went on to secure victory.
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