DR ‹ › Although the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has denied for the second time since the end of the Africa Cup of Nations that head coach Walid Regragui has left his position, speculation continues just four months ahead of the World Cup. While reaffirming that Regragui remains in charge, the federation acknowledged that it has held discussions with potential candidates, including former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández, according to international reports. However, no agreement has been reached with the Spaniard. A source familiar with Xavi's position told The Athletic that the 46-year-old would prefer to consider the role after this summer's World Cup. Spanish sports daily Marca, for its part, reports that Regragui's departure is considered «a done deal», although it has not yet been officially announced. According to the outlet, the decision would only be announced once a replacement is secured, despite public denials from the federation. Marca further reports that Xavi is the preferred candidate and the «dream» choice of federation officials. The Spanish coach has been without a club since leaving FC Barcelona, where he won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. Still, negotiations have not resulted in any concrete agreement, it further confirmed. Reports of Regragui's potential departure surfaced shortly after the end of the 2025 AFCON. Although he guided Morocco to the final, his pragmatic approach drew criticism amid heightened expectations fueled by the country's substantial investment in football. While he failed to secure the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title and most recently lost the 2025 AFCON final on home soil to Senegal after extra time, Regragui is remembered as the coach who led Morocco to a historic World Cup semi-final in 2022, the best performance ever achieved by an African nation. Morocco is now preparing for the upcoming World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Atlas Lions have been drawn in the same group as Brazil and Scotland.
