In an official statement, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has categorically denied reports claiming that national team head coach Walid Regragui has submitted his resignation.
The move aims to quash rumors that surfaced following Morocco’s recent defeat in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final and affirms that Regragui will remain in charge to lead the Atlas Lions at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
“The Royal Moroccan Football Federation categorically denies the information circulated by certain media about the alleged resignation of the national team coach, Walid Regragui, from his position,” the federation declared in its statement, according to multiple sources.
This firm denial comes as a direct response to several media reports, originating from outlets like France’s Foot Mercato, which claimed Regragui had expressed an intention to step down citing mental exhaustion after the AFCON tournament.
Further speculation had linked the 50-year-old manager with potential offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia.
The context for the rumors stems from Morocco’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Senegal in a contentious AFCON final last month, which dashed hopes of securing the country’s second continental title in 50 years.
According to one report, the final was marred by chaotic scenes, including the Senegalese team’s temporary withdrawal from the pitch for 15 minutes after a penalty was awarded to Morocco, incidents that shifted the game’s momentum and reportedly deepened the disappointment for the Atlas Lions.
QReports also indicated that Regragui had previously hinted in press conferences that he might step down if he did not win the AFCON with Morocco.
Despite the setback, the FRMF has consistently expressed its trust in Regragui, who became a national hero after guiding Morocco to a historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the best performance ever by an African or Arab nation.
A federation source emphasized the commitment to continue supporting the coach, stating the focus is on “giving the Atlas Lions the deserved status to delight the Moroccan fans in upcoming competitions, especially the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations, (which will be) hosted by Morocco”.
With the denial issued, the federation has decisively closed the chapter on speculation, ensuring stability for the team as it enters a critical preparation phase.
Morocco will open its 2026 World Cup campaign in Group A with a high-profile match against Portugal on June 13 at MetLife Stadium, followed by fixtures against Scotland and Haiti.
The federation’s swift action underscores its priority of maintaining continuity and calm for a squad with ambitions of replicating its global success on North American soil.