Negotiations with Andrés Iniesta
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation is in active talks with former Spanish national team midfielder Andrés Iniesta about a potential appointment as the national team's technical director. This move follows the departure of Walid Regragui, who had coached the team since 2022 and led Morocco to a historic semi-final finish at the World Cup in Qatar. The federation is also planning to appoint former Barcelona player Xavi Hernández as the team's head coach. This potential dual appointment signals a bold new direction for Moroccan football.
The Shared Pedigree of Iniesta and Xavi
Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández boast a formidable shared history, having played 486 matches together for the Spanish national team, winning two European Championship titles and the World Cup. They also secured four Champions League trophies together at FC Barcelona. This deep understanding and proven winning mentality could be a crucial asset for developing the Moroccan national squad under a new leadership team.
At the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Morocco has been drawn into Group C. Their opponents will be:
- Scotland
- Brazil
- Haiti
Morocco's first match of the tournament is scheduled for June 14th against Brazil. FIFA has already unveiled the official poster for the 2026 World Cup, heightening anticipation for the event. The team's new coaching setup will face an immediate test against one of football's traditional powerhouses.
Consequently, the impending overhaul of Morocco's coaching staff could significantly impact the team's preparation for the upcoming World Cup, where they will aim to showcase their potential on the global stage. This reflects the federation's strategic approach to improving team performance by leveraging the immense international experience of the prospective coaches. Adapting to a new tactical philosophy will be vital to compete with the strong opponents in Group C.