Has Xavi’s Moroccan Dream Run Out of Steam? Unveiling the 2030 World Cup Blueprint

Morocco’s Football Renaissance on the Horizon

Morocco’s national team stands at a historical turning point as the Royal Moroccan Football Federation plans to rewrite the management of the squad following the recent Africa Cup of Nations disappointment, amid major global preparations, especially for the World Cup.

In a clear shift, the federation appointed Mohamed Wahbi as the technical director of the senior team, signaling a renewal of the coaching staff after the notable success of the under-20s, who lifted the World Cup and boosted his stature within the Moroccan football system.

But change in Morocco seems far from over.

According to sources close to decision-makers in football, the federation has entered advanced negotiations with Spanish legend Andres Iniesta to take the role of sporting director as part of a broader overhaul of the “Lions of the Atlas” project.

Iniesta attended the Youth World Cup final in Rabat by invitation of King Mohammed VI, a sign of the seriousness of the talks, observers say.

Although many expect an announcement alongside the new coach, some contractual details are still holding things back.

The Old Spanish Guard

If the deal is sealed, Iniesta’s arrival at the sports administration could pave the way for a prominent Spaniard to assume the technical leadership in the future, namely Xavi Hernandez, the former Barcelona coach.

Reports indicate Xavi was already discussed as a possible head coach, but he prefers a long-term project from scratch rather than taking over a ready-made squad just months before a major tournament; the current roster was shaped under the previous coach Walid Rekraki.

The Post-World Cup Project

Everything points to Morocco thinking long-term, with plans for a full cycle spanning 2026 to 2030, a period that will bring major challenges for Moroccan football.

During these years, the Lions of the Atlas will face AFCON 2027 and 2028, a new Nations League format the CAF is pursuing, and preparations for World Cup 2030.

The 2030 World Cup, partly hosted by Morocco in partnership with Spain and Portugal, makes building a strong football project a strategic priority for the country and the federation alike.

If Morocco succeeds in combining Iniesta’s administrative experience with Xavi’s coaching vision, the Lions could enter a new era of professional European-style management in Africa over the next decade.

And for a final chuckle: if Iniesta takes the helm, expect every plan to pass with a perfect through-ball and a budget that somehow also find the back of the net. If Xavi joins later, the training sessions might come with a manual titled “From Barça to Casablanca: 10,000 Ways to Keep the Ball at Your Feet.”