Walid Regragui meeting with Emir of Qatar sparks coaching speculation

Speculation regarding the future of former Moroccan national team coach Walid Regragui has intensified following social media footage showing him meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at a cafe in Paris.

While no official confirmation of negotiations exists, observers suggest Regragui could be a candidate to lead the Qatar national team. Qatar is reportedly looking to improve its international competitiveness following group-stage exits in both the 2022 and 2026 World Cups. Regragui, who famously led Morocco to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, has previous experience in the Qatari league with Al-Duhail.

Currently, the Qatar national team is managed by Spaniard Julen Lopetegui, who holds a contract until February 2027. Neither Regragui nor Qatari authorities have provided details regarding the nature of the meeting in Paris.