Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has urged his players to draw strength from their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign despite seeing their impressive journey end with a 2-0 defeat to France in the quarter-finals on Thursday.
The Atlas Lions bowed out against a clinical French side, falling short of a place in the semi-finals. While the elimination was a bitter blow, Ouahbi refused to allow one disappointing result to overshadow the strides his team made throughout the tournament.
Addressing the media after the match, the Moroccan tactician admitted the dressing room was devastated, having believed they could progress even further.
“We are very disappointed because we were aiming for more, but we have to accept this result. We will not let this defeat discourage us, and we will continue to work.”
Ouahbi dismissed suggestions that Morocco deliberately adopted a defensive approach from the outset, explaining that France’s dominance in possession and relentless movement across the pitch forced his side into long periods without the ball.
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He acknowledged that Morocco’s inability to transition effectively from defence to attack in the opening half proved costly, although he was encouraged by the team’s response after the interval.
“It is true that we faced difficulties in getting the ball out during attacking transitions in the first half, and this was the biggest problem for us, but things improved a lot in the second half despite the participation of the same players; and it was important to explain to the players the need to make a greater effort, move off the ball, and make runs that allow us to stretch the opponent’s lines, so that we can get the ball out.”
The Moroccan coach noted that tactical adjustments and improved movement off the ball helped his side produce a stronger second-half display, despite no immediate personnel changes.
Looking beyond the World Cup, Ouahbi insisted Morocco’s progress must continue through sustained development rather than excuses. He stressed the importance of expanding the national team’s talent pool and made it clear that injuries should never be used to justify setbacks.
With the World Cup now behind them, the coach said the immediate priority is allowing the squad time to recover before attention shifts to September’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Despite the disappointment of their quarter-final exit, Ouahbi remains convinced Morocco possess the quality, determination and ambition to challenge for major honours in the years ahead.
