Morocco Coach Regragui Tenders Resignation After AFCON Final Defeat

Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, has reportedly submitted his resignation to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation following the Atlas Lions’ narrow loss to Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

According to Morocco World News, Regragui is said to be mentally and physically drained after an intense tournament. With preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup already underway, the pressure of continuous high-level competition is believed to have contributed to his decision.

Local reports indicate that the Moroccan Football Federation has not accepted the resignation and is actively trying to persuade the 49-year-old coach to remain in charge. Should he eventually step down, Regragui is expected to attract interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

Although born in France, Regragui represented Morocco during his playing career, turning out for clubs such as Toulouse, AC Ajaccio, Grenoble, and Racing Santander. However, his greatest success has come in management, most notably winning the CAF Champions League with Wydad Casablanca.

Widely regarded as the most successful head coach in Morocco’s history, Regragui came agonisingly close to ending the nation’s long wait for international silverware, with the AFCON final defeat leaving them just one penalty away from their first major trophy since 1976.

Since his appointment in 2022, Regragui has overseen a golden era for Moroccan football, leading the Atlas Lions to a historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup and an impressive run at AFCON 2025, further cementing his legacy despite the recent setback.