Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi stressed the importance of securing three points against Scotland as the Atlas Lions prepare for their second Group C match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup tomorrow in Boston.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Ouahbi acknowledged that Scotland enters the game with an advantage after collecting three points, while Morocco earned one point from a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Brazil.
“We have one point and they have three. They are ahead of us and we have to do our best. It will be a hard match,” Ouahbi said.
The Moroccan coach said the draw against Brazil gave his side confidence, but insisted that the tournament is far from over and that the team must continue to improve.
“We do not want to keep the same performance we had against Brazil. We want to improve. Every match is difficult in its own way. Internationally, there are no small teams, and our match against Brazil is not an end in itself,” he explained.
Scotland present a different challenge
Ouahbi highlighted the differences between Brazil and Scotland, noting that tomorrow’s encounter will require a different approach.
“The Brazil match was tactical, tomorrow’s clash will be physical. The match against Scotland will be different because they are quick with the ball and have strong shoots. We have prepared the players to be ready,” he said.
Despite criticism following Vinícius Júnior’s equalizer in the opening match, Ouahbi dismissed concerns over Morocco’s defense.
“Tomorrow’s match will be different. We have a very good defence and we are very confident. Everyone is doing his best in this regard, so I do not think we have problems in defence.”
He also emphasized that Morocco will remain faithful to its style of play.
“We will keep our identity and our way of playing. We want to dominate the rhythm of the game and control the intensity.”
All players available
The coach confirmed that the entire squad took part in training and praised the players for their physical efforts against Brazil.
“All the players were present in the training session, and playing 90 minutes against Brazil was not easy.”
Ouahbi also revealed that substitutions against Brazil were made with the intention of winning the game and that similar decisions could be taken against Scotland.
“During the previous game we made changes because we wanted to win against Brazil. We know some players cannot play 90 minutes in every match, but the substitutions made us stronger and improved our performance. I think we will do the same in the next match.”
Inspired by 40 million Moroccans
Azzedine Ounahi, Morocco’s Midfield, who was also present during the conference spoke about the spirit inside the squad and the support coming from home.
“We have a high spirit. Why shouldn’t we when we have 40 million Moroccans behind us? Tomorrow’s match will be even more difficult than the one against Brazil. Scotland have three points and we only have one, so we must not forget that. We have to win to secure the points we need.”
Ouahbi avoids looking back at France 1998
Asked about Morocco’s famous 3-0 victory over Scotland at the 1998 World Cup, Ouahbi said he remembers the match well but believes it has no bearing on the present.
“I remember that match. We played very well, but we were eliminated due a shoot in the end. I have not spoken about it with the players because we are living in a different time.”
With one point from the opening game, Morocco knows that victory over Scotland would put the Atlas Lions in a strong position to qualify for the round of 32 and continue the progress made since their historic semifinal run at the 2022 World Cup.
