Is History Repeating Itself? Morocco's Coaching Future Under the World Cup Spotlight

Pre-World Cup Uncertainty Around the Moroccan Coach

Is the same scene repeating with the Moroccan coach?

The Moroccan Football Federation denied, in an official Friday statement, reports of Walid Regragui's resignation or dismissal from his post as national team coach after the Africa Cup of Nations final loss to Senegal, confirming that the technical staff would continue in the coming phase, as debate about the team's future grows.

But this denial echoes a similar stance ahead of the 2022 World Cup, when the federation issued a May 3 statement denying reports of coach Vahid Halilhodzic's dismissal, stressing stability and continued preparations.

However, that stance did not last long, as less than three months later the federation terminated Halilhodzic and appointed Walid Regragui as technical director of the national team, in a highly sensitive moment just before the Qatar World Cup, signaling a comprehensive reassessment despite the earlier denial.

Today, as a continental setback repeats and an official statement denies any change, the comparison resurfaces—not to claim the same scenario will unfold, but to acknowledge a recent precedent showing that official statements can reflect a momentary position, subject to review based on performance and the upcoming phase.

While the federation asserts its commitment to Regragui for now, the coaching staff's future remains tied to the team's ability to regain balance and the strategic choices that may be made before the World Cup.