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Xavi Close to Morocco National Team Coaching Role

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. lose-to-morocco-national-team-coaching-role.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 18:29 GMT by legit
      Locales: SPAIN, MOROCCO

Rabat, Morocco - February 23rd, 2026 - Morocco's Royal Football Federation (FRMF) is reportedly deep in negotiations with Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez to assume the role of national team coach, signaling a determined effort to overhaul the squad following a lackluster start to the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The news, breaking late last week, has sent ripples of anticipation through Moroccan football circles, with fans hoping the appointment of the highly-respected tactician will usher in a new era of success.

The search for a new head coach began on January 18th, 2026, after Walid Regragui tendered his resignation. While Regragui led Morocco to a historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, recent results have been underwhelming, culminating in a disappointing performance in the initial stages of qualifying for the 2026 tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The FRMF cited a need for a "fresh perspective" and a coach capable of instilling a renewed sense of ambition within the team as key drivers behind the change.

Xavi Hernandez, a decorated midfielder who spent the majority of his playing career at Barcelona, boasts an impressive coaching resume. After a successful stint managing Barcelona's B team, he took the helm of Al-Sadd in Qatar, achieving notable success, including a Qatar Stars League title. He returned to Barcelona in November 2021, where he spent nearly two and a half years, ultimately resigning in late January 2026 amidst mounting pressure and a challenging financial situation at the club. Despite leaving Barcelona, his tactical understanding of the game, emphasis on possession-based football, and proven ability to develop young players have made him a prime candidate for numerous high-profile positions.

Reports suggest the FRMF has been impressed with Xavi's detailed analysis of the Moroccan squad and his clear vision for building a competitive team. The Federation is reportedly prepared to offer a lucrative contract, reflecting their commitment to securing Xavi's services. However, negotiations are still ongoing, focusing on details regarding his coaching staff, player selection autonomy, and the long-term development plan for Moroccan football.

Several other candidates were reportedly considered, including Portuguese manager Paulo Fonseca and former Manchester United coach Ralf Rangnick, but Xavi's profile ultimately resonated most strongly with the FRMF. His emphasis on a strong team ethic, combined with his commitment to attacking football, aligns with the Federation's stated goals for the national team. The FRMF believes Xavi can unlock the full potential of Morocco's talented squad, which includes players plying their trade in top European leagues such as Sofyan Amrabat, Achraf Hakimi, and Youssef En-Nesyri.

"We are looking for a coach who can inspire our players and bring a winning mentality to the national team," stated a FRMF spokesperson. "Xavi Hernandez embodies these qualities, and we are confident that he can lead Morocco to success on the international stage."

The potential appointment of Xavi isn't without its challenges. He will inherit a team needing significant revitalization and facing a difficult road to qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Furthermore, adapting his preferred style of play to the strengths and weaknesses of the Moroccan players will require careful planning and execution. However, the Moroccan fans are overwhelmingly optimistic. Social media is buzzing with excitement, with many expressing their belief that Xavi is the right man to restore Morocco's footballing pride.

The next few days are crucial as the FRMF and Xavi Hernandez finalize the details of the agreement. If successful, the announcement will mark a pivotal moment in Moroccan football history, signaling a bold new chapter under the guidance of one of the game's most celebrated figures. The expectation is that Xavi will be officially unveiled as the new national team coach before the end of the month, giving him ample time to prepare for crucial World Cup qualifying matches later this year.