Ahmed Kantari's New Role in Moroccan Football
After a five-month hiatus following his departure from FC Nantes, Ahmed Kantari has secured a new coaching position, this time as the head coach for Morocco's U17 football team. Announced on August 11, 2026, by the Moroccan Football Federation, this appointment marks a significant step in Kantari's career as he transitions from his previous role as a consultant back into a head coaching position.
Kantari's journey in football has been notable, having represented Morocco at the international level with 15 caps. His recent experience includes managing the reserve team at Valenciennes from 2022 to 2023, where he honed his skills working with young players. This background makes him well-equipped to lead the U17 squad as they prepare for the upcoming U17 World Cup, set to commence on November 11, 2026. The Moroccan U17 team, known as the Lionceaux de l’Atlas, will aim to improve upon their performance from the previous tournament in 2025, where they reached the quarter-finals.
With three months to prepare his players, Kantari will focus on developing their skills and strategies to compete against some of the best young talents in the world. His coaching philosophy, combined with his previous experience, will be crucial as he seeks to build a strong and competitive team.
As reported by ouest-france.fr.