Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has dismissed the notion that his team has already surpassed expectations at the FIFA World Cup 2026, stating that the Atlas Lions are focused on winning the tournament as they gear up for a blockbuster quarter-final against France on Thursday in Massachusetts.
Ouahbi rejects bonus mentality
Speaking to reporters via Reuters, Ouahbi made clear that his side is not content with merely reaching the last eight. "We will take stock at the end of the tournament. I will not say anything now because we can have more. We are not going to listen to people who will say 'what you have done up to now is wonderful'," he said.
"France are favourites but we will do everything possible to win tomorrow and qualify for the semi-finals," Ouahbi added. "I don't like this feeling 'we have done well to get here and all the rest is bonus'. No, the bonus is to win the World Cup. This is how we have come this far and we will go further."
Morocco's path to the quarter-finals
Morocco have continued their impressive rise since reaching the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago. Ranked seventh in the world, the Atlas Lions finished second in Group C before defeating the Netherlands on penalties in the Round of 32 and overwhelming co-hosts Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16. Azzedine Ounahi scored twice in that match, and substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a late goal.
The Atlas Lions are unbeaten in 10 matches since the Africa Cup of Nations final in January. However, they are still searching for their first-ever victory over France, having lost four and drawn two of their previous six meetings.
France's formidable form
France enter the quarter-final chasing a third consecutive FIFA World Cup semi-final appearance. Didier Deschamps' side have won all five matches so far, topping Group I before defeating Sweden and edging past Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16 thanks to a penalty from captain Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe has scored seven goals in the tournament, second only to Lionel Messi's eight, and leads a potent attack alongside Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola. Young midfielder Desire Doue has also impressed after winning the decisive penalty against Paraguay.
Deschamps set for record
The match will be a landmark occasion for France coach Didier Deschamps, who is set to equal Helmut Schon's record by managing his 25th FIFA World Cup match. Deschamps, who is due to step down after the tournament, is also chasing his 20th World Cup victory as coach.
Ouahbi demands fearless approach
Ouahbi stressed that his players must approach the contest without fear. "It is not a question of assets," he said. "The Moroccan side is evolving as is France. The key is to play the match without regrets. There are things to improve tomorrow. We have to play at 2,000% and not think what we have done up to now is not bad."
The winners of Thursday's quarter-final will book a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, where either Spain or Belgium await.
