Benfica boss Jose Mourinho emerges as surprise contender for soon-to-vacant Morocco job

Regragui led the Atlas Lions to a historic semi-final place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with knockout wins over Spain and Portugal before ultimately going out 2-0 by runners-up France,  

The Morocco mentor was, however, unable to lead his team to glory on their home turf in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as they lost to Senegal in the final.

Mourinho is currently head coach of Benfica but has previously spoken of his desire to coach the Portuguese national team.

According to Al Mountakhab, Mourinho emerged as the top candidate to take up the soon-to-vacant post, but his contract with Benfica makes any deal unlikely.

Former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez was also said to have been considered, alongside former Morocco boss Tarik Sektioui, although Atlas Lions Under 23 coach Mohamed Ouahbi is a more likely contender for the post.

Morocco play Ecuador and Panama in international friendlies ahead of their participation at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where they have been drawn in Group C with Brazil, Haiti and Scotland.