Morocco coach Ouahbi hails historic World Cup quarter-final run

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi hailed his team’s resilience after the Atlas Lions booked a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA 2026 World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada, insisting the North African side are now among football’s elite.

Morocco produced a clinical second-half display in Houston to eliminate Jesse Marsch’s side and set up a quarter-final showdown against either France or Paraguay.

Morocco, who reached the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup and lifted the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, continue to cement their status as one of the world’s top teams.

“We’re no longer a surprise today, and that’s a great source of pride,” Ouahbi said after the victory.

“I think this is only the beginning, and I hope we’ll keep producing this kind of run for many years.”

Resilience key to victory

Although Canada dominated in the opening half, Morocco weathered the pressure before taking control after the break.

Azzedine Ounahi struck twice in the second half to secure a comfortable victory and send the Atlas Lions into the last eight.

Ouahbi praised his players for remaining composed during difficult moments.

“What we’re trying to get across to our players is that we’re playing in a World Cup, which means you go through difficult moments.

“What we needed to do was hold on and show resilience when things aren’t going so well.”

Ouahbi responds to Marsch

Canada coach Jesse Marsch claimed after the match that his team had been the better side despite the defeat, a suggestion Ouahbi firmly rejected.

“In terms of intensity, they were good; that has to be said,” the Morocco coach said.

“Were they better? It’s hard to say that when you lose 3-0. It’s a bold claim.

“They were well organised, but I think in the second half there was no contest.

“In any case, I’m not sure many teams are going to win by that scoreline in the Round of 16.”

France reunion possible

Morocco could now face France in a repeat of their memorable 2022 World Cup semi-final, where the Atlas Lions’ historic run ended in defeat.

However, Ouahbi insisted revenge is not driving his side.

“We want to go as far as possible and make our people proud.”

With another impressive World Cup campaign gathering momentum, Morocco have strengthened their credentials as Africa’s leading contenders for global honours.