The first African manager to guide a team to a FIFA World Cup semi-final, Walid Regragui achieved this milestone with Morocco in 2022. Born in Corbeil-Essonnes, France, on 23 September 1975, he transitioned from a professional career as a right-back into a highly decorated coaching tenure across both domestic leagues and international football.
Professional Playing Career
Regragui spent the majority of his playing career in France, with additional stints in Spain and Morocco. His clubs included Toulouse, AC Ajaccio, Grenoble, and Racing Santander. As a defender, he was part of the Moroccan squad that reached the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations final, eventually falling to Tunisia. He was later recognized for his performance during that tournament, earning a spot on the Team of the Tournament.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Domestic Managerial Success
Following his retirement, Regragui moved into coaching, initially serving as an assistant for the Morocco national team. He achieved significant domestic success with Fath Union Sport, where he secured the 2013-14 Moroccan Throne Cup and the 2015-16 Botola Pro title. He later managed Al Duhail in Qatar, winning the 2019-20 league championship. In 2021, he took over Wydad AC, leading the team to a Botola Pro title and the 2022 CAF Champions League trophy.
International Milestone Achievements
Appointed head coach of Morocco in August 2022, Regragui oversaw a historic World Cup run. After navigating the knockout stages, his team defeated Spain and Portugal to reach the semi-finals, becoming the first African and Arab nation to do so. In the subsequent years, he maintained a streak of 19 consecutive international wins and secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His tenure concluded with a victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, after which he resigned in March 2026.
Fast facts
- Born: 23 September 1975, Corbeil-Essonnes
- Citizenship: French and Moroccan
- Major trophy: 2022 CAF Champions League
- 2022 FIFA World Cup finish: Fourth place
- Resignation date: 5 March 2026
- Officer of the Order of National Merit: 2004
- Commander of the Order of the Throne: 2022
Questions readers ask
What major honors did Regragui win as a manager?
His honors include the Botola Pro, the Moroccan Throne Cup, the Qatar Stars League, the CAF Champions League, and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Which clubs did he represent as a player?
His playing career included spells at Toulouse, AC Ajaccio, Grenoble, Racing Santander, and Moghreb Tétouan.
