Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez may make his World Cup debut at the 2026 tournament, managing a prominent Arab national team, after a long absence from the sidelines of nearly two years.
In recent hours, Moroccan newspapers have revealed that contact has been made between officials from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and Xavi to explore the possibility of him taking over as coach of the Atlas Lions at the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The future of current Moroccan coach Walid Regragui remains uncertain. Reports vary on whether Fouzi Lekjaa will dismiss him or retain him in his position following the recent events surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Numerous rumors suggest that Regragui himself wants to leave the Moroccan national team due to immense pressure in recent times. It is also said that Lekjaa is open to the departure of the long-serving coach of the Arab national team, despite the World Cup being only four months away.
Should Regragui’s departure be confirmed, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has identified Xavi Hernandez as the ideal foreign coach to lead Morocco. He is considered a coach capable of working in complex situations, having achieved remarkable success leading Barcelona back to championships under incredible circumstances four years ago.
Xavi’s stance on this move remains uncertain, especially since he previously expressed a desire to return to coaching, but only within the top five European leagues. However, the prospect of coaching a World Cup-caliber team like Morocco, a strong contender for a deep run in the tournament, might entice him to take this step.
