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This evening, Mohamed Ouahbi was officially introduced as the new head coach of the Moroccan national football team, succeeding Walid Regragui.
«Being entrusted today with the responsibility of leading the national team makes me fully aware of the expectations», Ouahbi said during a press conference organized by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) this Thursday. «I am very proud of this trust, and I pledge to work with seriousness, humility, and great determination, with a strong national spirit, to continue developing this team».
He added that under coach Walid Regragui, «the team has made significant progress, and since it includes many young players, I believe it is capable of further development and of bringing pride to the hearts of the Moroccan people».
Ouahbi also thanked his predecessor: «Thank you for all the moments that made us proud, and for the support you provided us over the past four years, from advice and backing to your closeness with the young national staff, even though you were not obliged to be so present».
A new lineup
During the press conference, Ouahbi revealed that Portuguese coach João Sacramento will serve as his assistant with the Morocco national football team. He described him as «a person with great skills and significant experience despite his young age», noting that he has worked alongside top coaches such as José Mourinho and Christophe Galtier at major clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, AS Roma, and Paris Saint‑Germain.
Regarding the rest of the technical staff, Ouahbi said he was finalizing some details and would announce the full lineup in the coming days. «What I can say is that there are very enthusiastic and committed people ready to work for Morocco», he added.
Ouahbi avoided discussing the details of his contract with the federation. As for his objectives, he said he does not believe «there is a need for a revolution within the team», emphasizing instead the importance of continuity and the goal of bringing joy to the Moroccan people passionate about football.
Regragui: The team needs a new vision
Before introducing the new coach, the federation, led by its president Fouzi Lekjaa, held a tribute ceremony for Walid Regragui.
Regragui recalled that when he was appointed to lead the national team just three months before the FIFA World Cup, «we knew there was a group of players with great potential, but they needed clear references, a structured framework, a defined playing identity, and above all stronger cohesion».
«What is certain and cannot be denied is that my goal was always to give my best with sincerity and full commitment», he said. He pointed to the team’s historic run to the World Cup semi-finals, reaching the final stages of the Africa Cup of Nations, and the Atlas Lions’ rise to eighth place in the FIFA rankings.
Regragui explained that his decision to step down came after «carefully analyzing the situation and taking the time to reflect». «I truly believe the team needs fresh momentum before the World Cup and a new vision to continue progressing and achieving our country’s ambitions».
«My departure today is part of this team’s development», he continued. «It is not a retreat but a well-considered decision made in the interest of our country and Moroccan football».
He concluded by saying he leaves behind «a strong team that knows its worth and is no longer afraid to declare its ambitions, a team free from any inferiority complex and unafraid of facing the best».
