Speaking on the popular Spanish TV show “El Chiringuito,” Morocco national team coach Walid Regragui stated that his future leading the Atlas Lions hinges on winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted by Morocco, despite his contract running until the 2026 World Cup.
He acknowledged the pressures of the job, adding, “I know this job well. I won’t deceive people; if you don’t win, you know decisions will be made, and that’s normal.”
Regragui’s current focus is on preparing the team for the continental tournament. “We have six or seven matches before the Africa Cup, and we have to choose the right group to make the people happy… that’s what matters to me now,” he stated.
Looking further ahead, the coach expressed a desire to eventually return to club management. “I love coaching clubs because I started there, and the daily work excites me more than national team work,” Regragui explained. He highlighted the difference in preparation time, noting that with the national team, players arrive close to matches with only one or two sessions to implement plans, unlike the continuous work possible at a club.
During the interview, Regragui also addressed the situation regarding FC Barcelona’s young star, Lamine Yamal, who was eligible to play for both Morocco and Spain.
“Lamine is a talented player from an exceptional generation. We tried everything we could to have him choose Morocco, but he chose Spain. We wish him all the best. What he’s doing at his age is unbelievable,” Regragui said.
He praised Yamal for his honesty throughout the process. “Yamal didn’t play the ‘Am I Moroccan or Spanish?’ card. He told me almost from day one that he was Spanish,” the coach revealed. “After two or three days, he called me respectfully and said: ‘Thank you for the love and interest, but I will choose Spain’.” Regragui confirmed that discussions also involved the player’s family and lawyer, noting it was a major point of interest for Moroccan fans when he first took the job.
Regragui is currently in Spain to monitor Moroccan players playing abroad. His visit includes assessing the fitness of professionals like defender Nayef Aguerd ahead of announcing the squad list for matches in June.
He is also expected to meet with Jonas Abdellaoui, a 19-year-old player currently with Celta Vigo Fortuna. Abdellaoui, who previously played for Norway’s youth teams, has recently obtained his Moroccan sporting passport, making him eligible to represent the Atlas Lions in the future.
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