Walid Regragui offers resignation as Morocco Manager 

Walid Regragui has offered his resignation as Morocco’s men national team coach just four months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Regragui, the architect of Morocco’s historic rise over the last four years, reportedly informed the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) of his desire to step down immediately.

The 50-year-old manager, who became a national hero during the 2022 World Cup, is reportedly mentally exhausted following a heart-breaking African Cup of Nations final defeat to Senegal.

Reports from Foot Mercato also claim Regragui’s decision is not based on a single event but is rather the result of cumulative “mental exhaustion.”

Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui reacts during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)

The pressure of leading Africa’s most successful modern side has reportedly worn down the 50-year-old, who has occupied one of the most scrutinised seats in world football since 2022. Despite the unwavering support of the Moroccan public and the federation, the manager is said to feel he can no longer provide the energy required for a world-class tournament.

Morocco’s 1-0 loss to Senegal in the AFCON final was the last disappointment he could take.

However, despite Regragui’s desire to depart, his exit is far from official. The FRMF, led by president Fouzi Lekjaa, is currently in a state of high-level deliberation over whether to accept or reject the resignation.

There is a strong feeling within the federation that Regragui is the only man capable of leading the team through the upcoming World Cup.

Indeed, RMC Sport claims that while the FRMF has rejected talk of his resignation, the coach is already in talks with clubs in Saudi Arabia over a possible switch in the near future.

“The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) categorically denies the information relayed in some news sites announcing that Walid Regragui, coach of the National ‘A’ team, has submitted his resignation,” a statement read.

Eventually, if Regragui’s resignation is accepted, he leaves behind a legacy that is unparalleled in Moroccan football history having guided them to 36 wins from 49 games.

During that time, Regragui changed the perception of African football globally. He becamw the first African manager to lead a team to a World Cup semi-final.