World Cup: Former teacher, lacking star power, leads Morocco's new coach to aim for success

Morocco's national football team, fresh off their historic fourth-place finish in the last World Cup, faces a formidable opponent in Brazil. However, the team enters this match under new leadership following the departure of their celebrated coach, Walid Regragui.

Taking the helm is Mohamed Ouahbi, a 49-year-old coach with a unique background. Unlike many top football managers, Ouahbi never played professional football. Instead, he began his career as a school teacher in Belgium before transitioning into coaching.

Ouahbi honed his skills within the youth systems of prominent clubs, notably gaining experience at the R.S.C. Anderlecht academy. His success at the youth international level is particularly noteworthy. In 2025, he guided Morocco to a historic U20 World Cup title, defeating Argentina 2-0 in the final and bringing the team to international prominence.

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Taking on the responsibility of leading the national team, I am deeply aware of the expectations from the outside world and feel very honored. I will dedicate myself to the work with dedication, humility, and determination, and most importantly, with strong patriotism, to continue helping this team improve.

Just three months before the World Cup's kickoff, Ouahbi stepped into the national team role. He acknowledged the significant expectations placed upon him, expressing a deep sense of honor and a commitment to work with dedication, humility, and patriotism. Ouahbi believes the team, despite its recent achievements, is still young with considerable room for growth, aiming to make the Moroccan people proud.

He also extended heartfelt gratitude to his predecessor, Walid Regragui, for his contributions to the nation and his personal support and guidance to youth team players. Ouahbi emphasized Regragui's valuable legacy as a coach.

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I want to sincerely thank Walid Regragui. As a Moroccan, thank you for everything you have done for the country; as a U20 coach, thank you for the support, advice, and encouragement you have given me over the past 4 years. Even though you didn't have to care so much about youth team players, you were willing to lend a hand. As a coach, thank you even more for the valuable assets you have left us.