Who Is Mohamed Ouahbi, Morocco's World Cup Coach?
Who Is Mohamed Ouahbi?
Mohamed Ouahbi is a Belgium-born, 49-year-old coach who took over as Morocco's senior national team manager in March 2026. He made his name within the Moroccan setup as a youth coach before being promoted to one of the biggest jobs in African football on the eve of a home-continent World Cup.
His appointment came after a period of uncertainty, and he arrived with a clear reputation for developing young talent and playing proactive, ambitious football, qualities the federation wanted as Morocco entered a new era.
Replacing Walid Regragui
Ouahbi replaced Walid Regragui, the coach who led Morocco to their historic 2022 World Cup semi-final. Regragui departed after the 2025 AFCON, where Morocco's campaign ended in disappointment and intensified debate over the team's direction.
Across his tenure Regragui oversaw 49 matches with 36 wins, but the federation chose change ahead of 2026. Taking over only months before the World Cup, Ouahbi faced the challenge of stamping his identity on the squad in a very short window.
The U-20 World Cup Triumph
Ouahbi's strongest credential is his triumph at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 in Chile, where his Morocco side beat Argentina 2-0 in the final. That victory marked a landmark achievement for Moroccan youth football and showcased his ability to win on the global stage.
Two of his young stars from that tournament, Othmane Maamma and Yassir Zabiri, won the Golden Ball and Silver Ball respectively. The success made Ouahbi the natural choice to carry Morocco's golden generation into the senior World Cup.
His 2026 World Cup Challenge
Ouahbi has set ambitious targets, publicly stating that Morocco should aim to win the World Cup and become the first African nation to do so. His squad navigated Group C, which contained Brazil, Haiti and Scotland, to reach the Round of 32.
As of 25 June 2026, Morocco prepare for their Round of 32 fixture on 29 June in Monterrey. For a coach only months into the role, guiding the Atlas Lions deep into the knockouts would be a remarkable achievement and validation of the federation's bold appointment.
Frequently asked
Who is Morocco's coach at the 2026 World Cup?
Mohamed Ouahbi is Morocco's head coach at the 2026 World Cup, having taken charge in March 2026.
Who did Ouahbi replace as Morocco coach?
He replaced Walid Regragui, who led Morocco to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and left after the 2025 AFCON.
What did Ouahbi win before the 2026 World Cup?
He won the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 with Morocco, beating Argentina 2-0 in the final in Chile.