French broadcaster RMC reportedly attempted to bring together two of North Africa’s most prominent football coaches, Walid Regragui and Djamel Belmadi, as part of its media team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to French newspaper L’Equipe, the radio station has been working to strengthen its World Cup coverage team ahead of the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The report stated that RMC aimed to recruit both coaches as technical analysts and tactical consultants, hoping their experience at the highest level of international football would enhance the broadcaster’s coverage during the competition.
Regragui and Belmadi are regarded as two of the most recognisable coaching figures in Arab and African football.
Regragui gained worldwide recognition after guiding Morocco national football team to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the last four of the tournament.
Belmadi, meanwhile, led Algeria national football team to victory at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and also guided the team to success at the 2021 Arab Cup.
L’Equipe reported that RMC viewed the duo as ideal additions capable of bringing tactical insight and international experience to its broadcasts during the World Cup.
The broadcaster has already secured one major former football figure for its analysis team, with ex-France defender Samuel Umtiti reportedly agreeing to join the network’s panel of analysts.
Despite the ambitious approach, negotiations with Regragui and Belmadi have so far failed to produce an agreement.
The French newspaper explained that discussions encountered obstacles, although it did not disclose the precise reasons behind the stalled negotiations. The difficulties may be linked to financial considerations or to the professional commitments of both coaches.
While the attempt to unite the two managers on the same media platform has not yet materialised, the report suggested that RMC has not abandoned its interest entirely.
According to L’Equipe, the broadcaster remains particularly interested in Belmadi and is still hoping to convince him to join its team not only for the World Cup but potentially on a longer-term basis beginning next season.
Such a move would provide RMC with one of the most respected coaching voices in African football and add further depth to its tactical analysis programming.
However, Belmadi’s current role with Al-Duhail SC could complicate any possible transition into media work.
The Algerian coach is still under contract with the Qatari side, meaning any agreement with the French broadcaster would likely require him either to leave his coaching position or wait until his existing commitment comes to an end.
Regragui also remains fully focused on his responsibilities with Morocco as preparations continue for the 2026 World Cup, where expectations remain high following the Atlas Lions’ historic performance in Qatar.
Although negotiations have not yet succeeded, the report underlined RMC’s determination to assemble a high-profile team capable of delivering comprehensive and expert analysis during one of football’s biggest global events.
