Exclusive: Sports journalist reveals reasons behind Regragui exit and names surprise successor

Exclusive

Three months before the World Cup, questions grow around Morocco’s coach

Exclusive: Sports journalist reveals reasons behind Regragui exit and names surprise successor

Egyptian sports journalist Abdel Rahman Sherif described reports of Walid Regragui’s departure from Morocco as “surprising” especially with only three months left before the 2026 World Cup.

“The timing is very strange”

Speaking to us about the growing reports around Walid Regragui, Abdel Rahman Sherif journalist at FilGoal said the timing raises serious questions.

“His departure at this time is very surprising to me especially since there are exactly three months left until the World Cup. No coach will have time to prepare the Moroccan national team and achieve anything” Sherif said.

Morocco are preparing for the FIFA World Cup and any coaching change now would come at a critical stage.

Division inside the Federation?

When asked about the real reasons behind the possible exit, Sherif pointed to internal disagreements.

According to him, there may have been division inside the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and also among supporters. He linked this tension to squad choices during the recent Africa Cup of Nations especially the absence of Hakim Ziyech.

The decision not to call up Ziyech created debate during the tournament and may have increased pressure around the coach.

How should Regragui’s tenure be rated?

Despite the current situation, Sherif gave Regragui a strong evaluation.

“I give his experience a very good rating. He achieved a lot in the World Cup and the last Africa Cup of Nations. He did a good job with the team and only minor details cost them the final”

Under Regragui, Morocco reached historic levels on the international stage. His period in charge included major performances that raised expectations inside the country.

What did he add to the team?

Sherif believes one of Regragui’s biggest strengths was his personality.

He said the Moroccan national team lacked strong leadership character in the past and that this changed during the 2022 World Cup where Morocco showed confidence and unity on the pitch.

That mental strength became a key part of the team’s identity.

Will key players be affected?

When asked about the impact on star players like Achraf Hakimi & Brahim Díaz, Sherif was clear.

He believes the change would not directly affect senior players. Hakimi and other key names, in his view, will keep their positions regardless of the coach.

However he warned that the team as a whole could suffer from the short preparation period before the World Cup.

Expected Scenario: Sektioui as solution?

Looking ahead Sherif suggested that Tarik Sektioui could be the most logical replacement if the federation confirms the departure.

He described Sektioui as a technical expert close to the team and familiar with its structure. In his opinion that makes him the safest option in a sensitive period.

What happens next?

For now the football world is waiting for official statement from the Moroccan federation. If a change is confirmed, the coming weeks will be decisive in shaping Morocco’s World Cup preparation.