Algeria Foot-Despite his historic journey during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he led Morocco to the semi-final-a first for an Arab and African nation-Walid Regragui is now faced with many criticisms. At 49, the Atlas Lions coach sees his future at the head of the national team closely linked to the African Cup of Nations 2025, organized in Morocco from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.
Officially, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, led by Fouzi Lekjaa, continues to display its unwavering support in Regragui, saying several times that he will remain in office, even beyond the 2026 World Cup. However, behind the scenes, the atmosphere would be much more nuanced.
According to information relayed by Al-ARABY Al-Jadeedinternal discussions would have already started to identify a potential successor, in the event of failure during the CAN at home. Among the names mentioned, that of Houcine Amouta returns insistently. The former coach of the premises, winner of Chan 2020 and finalist of the Asian 2023 Cup with Jordan, benefits from a strong credit from Lekjaa.
A source close to the Federation said that the president would have even recently declared to Amouta that “the door remains open” for a return. It should be remembered that the latter had been expected to lead Morocco to the 2022 World Cup, but had withdrawn at the last minute due to serious family concerns, including his wife’s disease.
Thus, even if REGRAGUI is still officially supported, its mission seems to be conditioned on a continental coronation. Premature elimination during the next CAN could rush his departure, and relaunch the project to entrust the reins of the national team to Houcine Amouta, a respected figure in Moroccan football.
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