Morocco has no intention of resting on its laurels. Following the Atlas Lions’ brilliant qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup thanks to their 3–0 victory over Canada, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has set out his team’s ambitions. Whilst praising his players’ performance, the Moroccan manager believes this squad still has room for improvement and can continue to make history.
Ouahbi: “It’s no longer a surprise”
At a press conference, Mohamed Ouahbi reflected on the tactical adjustments that enabled Morocco to turn the match around after a difficult first half against Canada’s high press.
> “We had to sort out a few minor issues. Thanks to video analysis and discussions with the coaching staff, we managed their pressing much better in the second half. We were more in control and found the spaces they were leaving.”
The Atlas Lions’ manager also emphasised the collective effort of his coaching staff.
“We have a high-performing coaching staff. Ideas come from everyone; we take the best ones on board, and today that has once again paid off.”
For Mohamed Ouahbi, Morocco’s status on the international stage has now changed.
“These days, it comes as no surprise. When we talk about Morocco, we’re talking about a contender, a great nation. But this is only the beginning. We want to go even further, with the same ambition, the same confidence and, above all, the same humility. ”
The Moroccan manager also paid tribute to the youth development work carried out in the Kingdom, mentioning in particular the Mohammed VI Academy, which he considers a cornerstone of the development of national football.
Ounahi and Bouaddi praise the strength of the team
After scoring a brace and being named man of the match, Azzedine Ounahi acknowledged that Canada had posed real problems for the Atlas Lions before the break.
“It was a difficult, very intense match. At half-time, we had a lot of discussions with the coach and the staff. In the second half, we managed to impose our style of play and capitalise on our chances. ”
Ayyoub Bouaddi shared this view, emphasising the importance of the tactical adjustments made at half-time.
“Canada were very well organised in the first half. We worked out a solution with the coach and that was evident as soon as we came back from the dressing room.”
France await Morocco
A few hours after the Atlas Lions secured their place in the quarter-finals, France in turn booked their spot by beating Paraguay 1–0. The two sides will meet on 9 July in Boston for a highly anticipated clash.
Ahead of this clash, Didier Deschamps praised Morocco’s progress.
“Morocco are one of the best teams. What I saw today confirms everything I thought about this side. Nobody reaches the World Cup quarter-finals by chance. ”
Buoyed by growing confidence and a solid team spirit, the Atlas Lions now head into this quarter-final with the ambition of continuing their historic run and bringing Moroccan football one step closer to another world-class achievement.
