- Ouahbi Urges Morocco to Believe in Historic 2026 World Cup Triumph
Islamabad : Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has called on his players to embrace the belief that the Atlas Lions can win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following an impressive unbeaten run to the Round of 32.
Morocco secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over Haiti in their final Group C encounter, finishing the group stage with seven points and cementing their status as one of the tournament’s most exciting teams.
The Atlas Lions ended the group campaign level on points with Brazil but finished second on goal difference, setting up a knockout clash against the winners of Group F.
A New Era of Confidence for Moroccan Football
Speaking after the victory, Ouahbi said Morocco now possesses all the ingredients needed to challenge the world’s elite and continue writing new chapters in the nation’s football history.
“Regardless of who we face, we have a strong squad, an excellent staff and incredible supporters. We have everything we need to believe in ourselves,” Ouahbi said.
The coach emphasized that Moroccan football has entered a transformative period, with players carrying greater confidence and opponents approaching the Atlas Lions with growing respect.
According to Ouahbi, the mentality within the national team has evolved significantly following years of progress on the international stage.
From Qatar 2022 to a Bigger Dream
Morocco’s remarkable run to the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar remains one of the greatest achievements in football history, making the Atlas Lions the first African and Arab nation to reach the last four of the competition.
Ouahbi believes that historic accomplishment fundamentally changed both the team’s self-belief and global perceptions of Moroccan football.
“Morocco has entered a new stage. The players believe in their abilities, and opponents respect Morocco,” he said.
The coach insists that merely reaching the knockout rounds is no longer enough for a nation that continues to raise expectations.
“For that reason, our objective must be to win the World Cup.”
Ambition Balanced with Respect
While expressing confidence in his team’s potential, Ouahbi stressed that success requires humility, discipline, and respect for every opponent.
He warned against complacency, emphasizing that each match demands thorough preparation and constant improvement.
“Winning the World Cup requires us to respect every team we face. I trust the work we are doing,” he added.
Despite the victory over Haiti, the Moroccan manager acknowledged that defensive lapses remain an area for improvement after the team conceded twice during the first half.
“We need to correct some things. After every game, we study and analyze everything that happened so we can improve.”
Return to Monterrey Revives Historic Memories
Morocco’s Round-of-32 encounter will take place in Monterrey, Mexico—a city deeply connected to some of the nation’s most cherished World Cup memories.
It was in Monterrey during the 1986 FIFA World Cup that the Atlas Lions began their historic campaign, eventually becoming the first African nation to reach the knockout stages after topping a group featuring England, Portugal, and Poland.
Ouahbi recalled the inspiration that tournament provided during his childhood.
“I remember the 1986 World Cup. Morocco played their first match against Poland. I was 10 years old, and the national team had a wonderful tournament.”
For the Moroccan coach, returning to Monterrey carries profound symbolic significance.
“We are going back to where everything started,” he said.
Building on a Proud World Cup Legacy
Morocco first appeared at a World Cup in Mexico in 1970, before returning in 1986 to produce one of African football’s defining moments.
Nearly four decades later, the current generation is seeking to create another unforgettable chapter in the country’s football journey.
The Atlas Lions have already demonstrated their quality during the group stage, opening with a 1-1 draw against Brazil before securing victories over Scotland and Haiti.
Morocco scored six goals and conceded three while remaining unbeaten, reinforcing their reputation as one of the tournament’s most resilient and entertaining sides.
Focus Remains on Continuous Improvement
Despite growing expectations and national optimism, Ouahbi insists that the team’s attention remains firmly on performance rather than opponents or venues.
“The opponent and the venue do not matter to me. What matters is that we remain focused, analyze the other team well and correct everything we can within our squad.”
As Morocco prepares for the knockout rounds, belief continues to grow that the Atlas Lions can once again inspire Africa and the Arab world—and perhaps even challenge for football’s greatest prize.
With confidence, experience, and an unwavering national spirit, Morocco’s World Cup dream remains very much alive.
BY: The Times Union
