TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025: Meet the Coach: Walid Regragui (Morocco)
Published:
Walid Regragui occupies what will arguably be the hottest coaching seat at Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations 2025. The 49-year-old, will be in charge of the Atlas Lions when they play in front of an expectant Morocco crowd as the tournament makes its return to the North African nation.
Profile:
Name: Walid Regragui
Place of Birth: France
Age: 49
Current Team: Morocco
Career Highlights: Throughout his coaching career, Regragui has managed several Moroccan clubs, including Fath Union Sport and Wydad Casablanca. He also worked abroad, coaching Qatari club Al-Duhail.
Regragui made a name for himself in his early steps as a national team coach when he led Morocco to outstanding success in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Under his leadership, the Moroccan team achieved an extraordinary run, becoming the first African team in history to reach the World Cup semi-finals. Morocco ultimately finished in fourth place, marking the best World Cup performance by an African team to date.
Coaching Style:
Regragui’s coaching style is characterized by solid defensive organization, ensuring his defense is tightly closed off against opponents. His strategy also relies heavily on quick transitions from defense to attack, using speed to exploit gaps. He places great emphasis on utilizing the strength and pace of his attackers, pressing the ball carrier in the opponent’s half and preventing them from breaking through to his defense.
TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Experience:
This will be Walid Regragui's second participation in the continental finals with the Moroccan national team. He previously led the "Atlas Lions" in the 2023 Cote d’Ivoire edition where they were uncharacteristically knocked out by South Africa in the Round of 16.
Did You Know? Walid Regragui is the only coach in Africa and the world who has led an African team to the semi-finals of the World Cup.
