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Coach Regragui's future has become a hot topic in Morocco. The country's football federation denied reports that he was leaving on February 25, but confirmed that they had contacted several candidates. Among the shortlist is Xavi Hernandez, the former Barcelona midfielder.
The two sides have not yet reached an agreement. A close source said Xavi wants to accept the offer after the World Cup this summer. This leaves the possibility of a change of manager before the biggest tournament on the planet still open.
Regragui, 50, once achieved a remarkable feat by leading Morocco to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. That was the best performance in the history of an African national team. However, he was unable to extend that success on the continental stage.
At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), Morocco were eliminated in the round of 16. At the 2025 CAN on home soil, they reached the final but lost to Senegal in a controversial match after extra time. Their dream of winning the African Cup of Nations for the first time since 1976 remains unfulfilled.
Over the past decade, Morocco has invested heavily in football. Stadiums, facilities, and player quality have all been upgraded, raising expectations accordingly. Regragui has faced considerable criticism in recent months, particularly regarding his playing style, which is considered too pragmatic.
He admitted before CAN 2025 that the team had to learn to "endure" and "couldn't win every game 5-0". Nevertheless, the pressure regarding style and titles still loomed large.
Morocco will participate in the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, in the same group as Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. The possibility of Regragui leaving before the tournament is entirely plausible. If that happens, he will be remembered as the man behind the historic achievement of 2022, but also as a coach who failed to translate abundant resources into a continental title.
Source: https://znews.vn/bien-dong-lon-o-doi-tuyen-morocco-post1630263.html
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