Rabat – Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi said that the Atlas Lions will play for win when they face Haiti tomorrow in their final Group C match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Morocco will meet Haiti on Wednesday, June 24, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with kick-off scheduled for 11 p.m. Moroccan time.
Speaking during today’s pre-match press conference, Ouahbi said his team’s full attention was on the encounter and rejected the idea that Morocco would change its style because of Haiti’s position in the group.
“Our full focus is on this match. We will not change our approach,” he said.
“We have studied the opponent carefully and know they are a strong team. We must therefore be patient and effective when dealing with transitions.”
Haiti have already been eliminated after losing 1-0 to Scotland and 3-0 to Brazil, but Ouahbi warned that the Caribbean team could still create problems, particularly when Morocco lose possession.
Morocco targets first place
The Atlas Lions enter the final round with four points after drawing 1-1 with Brazil and defeating Scotland 1-0.
Brazil also have four points but lead the group because of their stronger goal difference. The five-time world champions will face Scotland at the same time as Morocco’s match against Haiti.
A win would secure Morocco’s place in the round of 32. It could also allow the Atlas Lions to finish first if they achieve a better result than Brazil or overturn the current goal-difference gap.
“Our main objective is to win and finish top of the group,” Ouahbi said.
“Going into any match without the ambition to win would make our presence meaningless. After that, we can look at the other details.”
Morocco have shown strong control in their first two matches but have scored only twice despite creating several chances.
Ismael Saibari scored both goals, finding the net against Brazil before scoring the winner after only 71 seconds against Scotland.
Players Ready for Responsibility
Ouahbi also spoke about the condition and motivation of his squad ahead of the decisive match.
“It is very important for the players to be at the highest level of readiness,” he said.
“Taking part in the World Cup is itself a major motivation, and the enthusiasm within the group is clear to everyone.”
The coach added that every member of the squad understands the importance of the occasion and the responsibility of representing Morocco on football’s biggest stage.
“All the players are motivated for this match. This is the World Cup, and everyone in the team understands the responsibility and the need to give their best on the pitch,” the players are motivated for this match. This is the World Cup, and everyone in the team understands the responsibility and the need to give their best on the pitch,” he said.
Morocco will be expected to control possession against Haiti, but Ouahbi’s comments suggest that his team will approach the match with caution rather than treating victory as guaranteed.
The Atlas Lions will aim to complete the group stage unbeaten, secure qualification and keep alive their hopes of entering the knockout rounds as Group C winners.
