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Rabat – Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi said facing Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil was a difficult challenge, as the Atlas Lions began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw.
Morocco produced a strong performance against the five-time world champions at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday.
Ismael Saibari gave Morocco the lead in the 21st minute, finishing a quick attacking move after receiving a pass from Brahim Diaz.
Brazil responded 11 minutes later through Vinicius Junior, whose powerful shot beat Yassine Bounou and brought the Seleção level.
Neither side managed to find a winning goal in the second half, leaving Morocco and Brazil with one point each in Group C.
Ouahbi wanted all three points
Speaking after the match, Ouahbi said Morocco carried out much of its tactical plan but acknowledged the difficulty of competing against a team coached by Ancelotti.
“We did what we had planned, but I was facing Carlo Ancelotti, so it was not simple,” Ouahbi said.
The Moroccan coach added that his players entered the game determined to win and were disappointed not to leave with all three points.
“We wanted to win, and the players wanted to win. We felt that the match slipped away from us because we did not get the victory,” he said.
Morocco controlled large parts of the opening period and caused Brazil problems with its pressing, movement, and quick passing.
Ouahbi also said the high temperatures affected his players during the match, forcing the technical staff to manage their physical condition.
He praised the substitutes for their contribution and noted that several members of the squad were playing in their first senior World Cup.
“The substitutes did well. The heat affected the players, and some of them are taking part in their first World Cup. It is not easy,” he explained.
Despite the missed opportunity to secure a victory, the draw gives Morocco a solid start against the strongest-ranked opponent in its group.
Ouahbi said Morocco must now correct some areas of its game and find solutions before facing Scotland.
The Atlas Lions will play Scotland on June 19 at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The match is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. local time and 11 p.m. in Morocco.
Morocco will then conclude its Group C campaign against Haiti on June 24 at Atlanta Stadium, with kickoff also scheduled for 11 p.m. Moroccan time.
