Despite Morocco’s elimination in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-0 defeat to France, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has no intention of lowering the Atlas Lions’ ambitions. Instead, the Moroccan coach wants his team to continue competing against the best nations in the world and use upcoming international breaks to prepare for future challenges. Speaking at his World Cup review press conference on Tuesday, Ouahbi revealed that he has already requested a prestigious friendly match for the next international window in September 2026.
“I have asked for a high-profile match in September to continue being challenged. We need to play more friendly games that put us under pressure,” he said.
For Ouahbi, facing top-level opposition is essential to help Morocco maintain its progress after another historic World Cup campaign. The Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals for the second consecutive edition, further confirming their status as one of Africa’s leading football nations.
The Moroccan coach believes regular encounters against elite teams will allow his squad to gain experience and continue closing the gap with the world’s best sides.
