Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouabhi has expressed confidence that Atlas Lions have the quality and belief to make another historic run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, declaring that his side can be “unstoppable” if they perform at their best.
The African champions booked their place in the Round of 16 on Monday after defeating the Netherlands on penalties following a thrilling 1-1 draw after extra time in Monterrey.
It was another impressive display from Morocco, who controlled large spells of the contest before prevailing in the shootout to set up a last-16 clash with co-hosts Canada.
Read Also: Morocco knock out Netherlands, set up Canada clash in World Cup Round of 16
Ouabhi believes the team’s growing confidence stems from Morocco’s groundbreaking run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, when they became the first African nation to reach the last four.
“The World Cup in Qatar changed the mentality of the Morocco team, and I’m well placed to speak about this,” Ouabhi said.
“Moroccan players believe in themselves, and the supporters believe in us as well. That’s so important. They are demanding because they know just how far we can go.”
‘We’re unstoppable if we play our football’
Despite facing Canada next, Ouabhi warned against any sense of complacency.
“We know it is one game at a time. People think it’s going to be easy for us, that it will be a walk in the park, but that’s not the case,” he said.
“Canada are a very good team and they are going to make things difficult for us.”
However, the Morocco coach insisted his side has what it takes to surpass the achievements of the 2022 squad.
“What we need to be telling ourselves is that no one can stop us,” he said.
“We’re unstoppable if we play the football that we know how to play.
“But nobody is unbeatable. I tell my players that as well. If we get things wrong, we’ll go home. We have to use every tool in our arsenal to go as far as we can, and that’s the mentality we want every Moroccan player to have.”
Koeman praises Morocco’s rise
Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman admitted Morocco deserved their place in the next round and said their success reflects the rapid growth of African football.
“It’s very clear watching this World Cup that African teams have greatly improved tactically and in the way they play their matches,” Koeman said.
“Morocco is a country that consistently produces talented young players who continue to join Europe’s biggest clubs. It’s no coincidence that they are ranked higher than the Netherlands.”
Morocco will face Canada for a place in the quarter-finals as they look to continue their remarkable FIFA 2026 World Cup campaign.
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