Morocco : Mohamed Ouahbi takes responsibility for World Cup exit, backs Atlas Lions’ future
« We wanted to face France while staying true to our identity, but that didn’t happen. I take full responsibility for that, » the Morocco coach said.
Despite the disappointment, Ouahbi maintained that reaching the quarter-finals for the second consecutive World Cup confirms the progress of Moroccan football.
« The assessment does not stop with one match. We are satisfied with our World Cup in terms of our performances and the quality of our football. Our World Cup ended in the quarter-finals, but our ambition continues, » he said.
« We lacked our identity against France »
Ouahbi admitted his players failed to impose their usual style against the 2022 runners-up but rejected suggestions that Morocco approached the game with fear.
« Our game plan was exactly the same as it was against Brazil and the Netherlands. We changed nothing. The intentions were the same, » he explained.
« I never ask my team to sit back and defend. We simply lacked personality and maturity at certain moments. »
The Moroccan coach also praised France’s quality, describing Didier Deschamps’ side as one of the strongest teams in world football.
« I’m not asking myself how we could have beaten France. I don’t know which team could have. The real question is how we can make life much more difficult for them next time, and how we can do that in four years. »
According to Ouahbi, Morocco struggled to stretch the French defense and failed to create enough attacking depth.
Defending his squad selections
Ouahbi also dismissed criticism surrounding his squad selection, insisting the players he chose had earned their place after leading Morocco to another historic World Cup run.
« The players who were here made the country dream for five matches while producing some of the best football Morocco has ever played at a World Cup, » he said.
« It’s always easier after a defeat to say another player should have been selected. »
The coach acknowledged that one tactical decision against France did not produce the expected result but accepted full responsibility.
« The idea was there. It didn’t work, and I accept that. »
Building towards 2030
Ouahbi believes the tournament will serve as valuable experience for one of the youngest squads left in the competition after the Round of 16.
« We had the youngest team from the knockout stage onward. Many of these players will be even stronger in four years. »
His long-term objective is to establish Morocco among football’s elite rather than treating the country’s recent achievements as isolated successes.
« We want the 2022 achievement not to remain unique. Reaching another World Cup quarter-final shows Morocco is working in the right direction. »
He also recalled the difficult period following Morocco’s disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign, saying rebuilding confidence ahead of the World Cup had been a major challenge.
Coach dismisses speculation
Ouahbi used the press conference to deny reports that assistant coach Joao Sacramento could leave the national team setup.
« Those reports are completely false. He is very happy here, and we are very happy to have him. »
He also rejected speculation of tension with midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.
« If Amrabat had a problem with me, he would tell me directly. There has never been an issue. »
Regarding captain Achraf Hakimi, Ouahbi said fatigue was not the decisive factor against France despite the defender’s demanding schedule.
« It wasn’t really fatigue. We simply struggled to find a second wind. »
Eyes already on the future
While acknowledging there is room for improvement, Ouahbi warned against making drastic changes after a single defeat.
« What I don’t like is when you reach the quarter-finals against France and people suddenly want to change everything. That would send the wrong message. »
The coach revealed he has already requested a high-profile friendly in September to continue testing his squad against top opposition.
« We want to be challenged. »
Ouahbi concluded by reaffirming his commitment to Morocco’s long-term project.
« The future will decide how long I stay, God willing. For now, I’m here and fully committed to continuing what we have started. »
Morocco: The Atlas Lions return home after another remarkable run at the 2026 World Cup
Morocco is preparing to celebrate the return of its national football team following an impressive campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has announced that the Atlas Lions are expected to arrive at Rabat–Salé Airport in the early hours of Sunday, July 12, after departing from Boston, USA.
Led by head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the Moroccan side saw its remarkable journey come to an end in the quarter-finals with a 2–0 loss to France. Nevertheless, the team returns home having once again etched its name into football history as the only African and Arab nation to reach the last eight of the tournament.
The achievement builds on Morocco’s groundbreaking semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, further establishing the Kingdom as one of Africa’s football powerhouses and a respected force on the world stage.
Supporters from across the country are expected to give the players a rousing welcome, celebrating a squad whose performances continue to inspire pride and highlight the enduring rise of Moroccan football.
Morocco: 2026 World Cup journey ends in the quarter-finals
Morocco’s run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to an end after a 2-0 defeat to France in the quarter-finals, bringing another memorable campaign for the Atlas Lions to a close.
After a balanced first half, Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 60th minute before Ousmane Dembélé added a second six minutes later to send France into the semi-finals.
Although eliminated, Morocco once again demonstrated why it remains one of Africa’s football powerhouses. The Atlas Lions reached the last eight after an impressive tournament, confirming the progress they have made since their historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup.
Throughout the competition, Morocco displayed tactical discipline, resilience, and attacking quality against some of the world’s strongest teams, earning admiration from fans across Africa and beyond.
While their quest for a first World Cup semi-final since 2022 falls short this time, the Atlas Lions leave the tournament with pride, having once again represented African football with distinction on the global stage. Their quarter-final finish further cements Morocco’s place among the world’s elite national teams and reinforces the country’s growing influence in international football.
France vs. Morocco: Time and TV channel for the 2026 World Cup clash
France and Morocco are set for another blockbuster encounter as they meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on Thursday, July 9, rekindling one of the tournament’s most memorable recent rivalries. The two sides face each other four years after their historic 2022 World Cup semi-final in Qatar, where France secured a 2-0 victory to end Morocco’s remarkable run.
This time, the Atlas Lions will be aiming for revenge and another historic achievement as they continue their impressive campaign. France, meanwhile, is chasing a place in the semi-finals and remains on course to win a third FIFA World Cup title.
France vs Morocco: Match Details
- Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough (Boston, USA)
Where to Watch
The quarter-final will be broadcast live across several African broadcasters, including NCI, RTI Group channels, New World TV, and beIN SPORTS.
In Benin, fans will also be able to watch the match live on SRTB’s Bénin TV.
With a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake, another chapter is set to be written in one of international football’s most compelling modern rivalries.
Morocco denies remarks attributed to Mohamed Berrada and reaffirms its commitment to Africa
As Morocco continues its impressive journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Moroccan government has officially dismissed false statements circulating on social media that were wrongly attributed to Mohamed Saad Berrada, the Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports.
The controversy emerged at a time when the Atlas Lions are once again capturing global attention with another outstanding World Cup campaign. Several social media posts and online platforms claimed that the minister had allegedly said that « Morocco does not represent Africa, » that « the national football team represents only Morocco, not Africa, » and that « Morocco does not need Africa’s support. »
The Ministry has categorically denied these claims, describing them as completely fabricated and without any factual basis.
According to the official statement, Minister Berrada has never made such remarks and has not given any media interview on the subject. The Ministry stressed that the statements do not reflect either the minister’s views or the official position of the Kingdom of Morocco.
Beyond denying the misinformation, the government reaffirmed Morocco’s deep African identity. The statement emphasized that the Kingdom remains proud of its African roots and highlighted the historic, cultural and human ties that connect Morocco with the rest of the African continent.
The clarification comes as Morocco enjoys another memorable World Cup campaign, strengthening its reputation as one of international football’s emerging powers after its historic semifinal appearance in Qatar in 2022. The Atlas Lions’ performances have once again inspired millions of supporters across Africa and beyond.
Authorities also urged journalists, media outlets and social media users to verify information before publishing it, warning that legal action could be taken against those responsible for spreading false statements or attributing fabricated quotes to public officials.
NEW REPORT | THE PLACEHOLDER RULE – THE AFRICAN ADVANTAGE
When a rule that is supposed to be « automatic » stops being applied automatically to certain teams, it is no longer just a sporting decision. It becomes a matter of governance, transparency, and fairness.
Through this report, Quick-Witted Management (QWM) provides an in-depth analysis of the Balogun case during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and what it reveals about the governance mechanisms of world football.
Beyond a single match incident, this document highlights several major issues:
– the application of international regulations;
– the credibility of sports institutions;
– political influence in major competitions;
– and, above all, the strategic lessons for Africa as the 2030 FIFA World Cup approaches.
This report is intended for governments, football associations, policymakers, investors, media professionals, and everyone who believes that sport is also a powerful tool for diplomacy, governance, and development.
We invite you to read it, share it, and contribute to the discussion with sound arguments, factual evidence, and a forward-looking perspective.
Because major competitions do more than crown champions. They also reveal how the institutions that organize them truly operate.
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The African Advantage: The 2026 World Cup signals a new strategic era for African football
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is emerging as more than just a sporting event for African football. It is becoming a milestone that reflects a deeper structural shift: Africa is no longer only participating in global football dynamics, it is actively reshaping them.
Across the tournament, African national teams have delivered a level of performance that reflects a long-term evolution rather than a temporary surge. With nine African nations reaching the knockout stage, the continent has confirmed a new level of consistency and competitiveness on the world stage. This is no longer about isolated surprises; it is about a collective rise in standards, preparation, and ambition.
This progression highlights a key reality: African football is undergoing a transformation in its foundations. National teams are increasingly built on more structured systems, stronger talent pipelines, and improved tactical and physical preparation. As a result, they are now capable of competing regularly with traditional football powers, not just challenging them occasionally.
Within this context, Quick-Witted Management introduces a new analytical framework through its latest publication, The African Advantage – Strategic Intelligence Report. The report moves beyond match results and tournament narratives to examine what is driving this shift at a deeper level.
Rather than treating African football as a purely sporting subject, the report positions it within a broader ecosystem shaped by economics, governance, geopolitics, and global competition for talent. It explores how football is becoming a strategic sector for African states and institutions, influencing areas such as investment flows, international visibility, infrastructure development, and soft power.
Several structural drivers are identified behind this rise. New talent development models are emerging across the continent, often combining local scouting systems with international partnerships. Football academies are playing an increasingly central role in shaping a more professionalized pipeline of players. At the same time, the African diaspora continues to act as a powerful extension of the continent’s football ecosystem, contributing skills, experience, and global exposure.
Governance reforms within African football structures are also gradually improving organizational efficiency and competitiveness. In parallel, the growing use of data, analytics, and sports intelligence is influencing decision-making at both club and national team levels. Together, these shifts signal a slow but significant modernization of the entire system.
The report also emphasizes the expanding role of external sectors in this transformation. Investment in sports infrastructure, media rights, tourism linked to football events, and state-level sports diplomacy are increasingly shaping how African football evolves and positions itself globally. Football is no longer isolated from economic strategy—it is becoming part of it.
However, despite this progress, the transformation remains incomplete. Structural challenges persist, particularly in the areas of long-term planning, institutional stability, and the ability to retain value within local ecosystems. Many African football systems still face the risk of exporting talent without fully capturing the economic benefits of its development.
The key challenge identified is therefore not only performance, but sustainability: how to convert current sporting success into a durable strategic advantage that generates long-term economic, institutional, and social value for the continent.
Ultimately, The African Advantage frames African football as an emerging global force. The 2026 World Cup does not represent an endpoint, but rather a signal that the balance of influence in world football is gradually shifting. Africa is no longer only a talent supplier to global football—it is becoming a strategic actor within it.
The African Advantage
Morocco: Excelling ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Ismael Saibari impresses Yamal
Lamine Yamal has singled out Ismael Saibari as one of the standout performers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, praising the Moroccan midfielder ahead of Spain’s Round of 32 clash with Austria. Speaking to Spanish radio station COPE, the 18-year-old was asked to name the players who have impressed him most during the tournament.
Yamal Impressed by Saibari
While mentioning global stars such as Lionel Messi and Vinícius Júnior, Yamal also highlighted Morocco’s in-form playmaker. “Ismael Saibari is doing great things. He’s playing really well,” Yamal said. The praise comes as little surprise given Saibari’s outstanding performances for Morocco during the World Cup.
A Tournament to Remember
Deployed as a false nine for the Atlas Lions, the 25-year-old has been one of the competition’s biggest revelations, building on an exceptional season with PSV that earned him the Eredivisie MVP award. Saibari announced himself on the world stage by scoring just 71 seconds into Morocco’s opening match against Brazil, setting the fastest World Cup goal in Morocco’s history.
He has since continued his remarkable run, becoming the first African player ever to score in each of his country’s three group-stage matches at a FIFA World Cup. With three goals, he is now level with Youssef En-Nesyri as Morocco’s joint all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.
More Records in Sight
Saibari will have another opportunity to add to his growing list of achievements when Morocco face Canada in the Round of 16. With his confidence soaring and admiration coming from some of football’s brightest young stars, the Moroccan international continues to establish himself as one of the breakout players of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Hakimi after Morocco’s qualification: “We are a top World Nation”
Following Morocco’s dramatic Round of 16 qualification at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, achieved after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands, captain Achraf Hakimi delivered a strong and confident message about his team’s growing status on the global stage.
Speaking immediately after the match, the Moroccan right-back responded to lingering doubts about Morocco’s rise since their breakthrough at the 2022 World Cup: “Are we now a top world nation? YES. Many people thought it was luck in 2022.” The statement reflects Morocco’s growing confidence as they continue to establish themselves among the elite of international football.
A message of mental strength
Hakimi also highlighted the team’s discipline and composure in a high-pressure match against the Netherlands, emphasizing the tactical and mental demands of the encounter: “This team stayed focused. We know this style of play, we knew who we were facing. We had to be strong both physically and mentally.”
His comments underline the maturity and resilience that have become hallmarks of the Moroccan national team in recent tournaments.
Appreciation for the Fans
In a moment of celebration, the Paris Saint-Germain defender also acknowledged the incredible atmosphere in the stands, particularly the support from local fans: “I want to thank the Mexican people for their support today. They gave us incredible backing here in Mexico.”
Morocco Continue Their Historic Campaign
With this qualification secured, Morocco extend their impressive run at the 2026 World Cup, reinforcing their ambition to compete with the world’s strongest teams and continue their pursuit of history on football’s biggest stage.
