Rabat – Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has confirmed that he does not plan to add any new players to his squad ahead of Wednesday’s decisive World Cup match against Haiti.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference in Atlanta, Ouahbi said he would continue working with the 26 players already selected for the tournament.
“There are no new names,” the Morocco coach said. “We will rely on the 26 players who are already in the squad, and they are all known to everyone.”
His comments came amid questions about players who have received limited minutes or have not yet appeared during Morocco’s first two matches.
The Atlas Lions drew 1-1 with Brazil in their opening Group C game before beating Scotland 1-0.
They will now face Haiti at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday, with victory guaranteeing their place in the round of 32.
Ouahbi explains squad rotation
Ouahbi said his decisions are based on the condition of each player, the opponent and the demands of each match.
“We manage the group in a balanced way and rotate the players according to their readiness and the nature of the opponent,” he explained.
“All the players are important to us. A player who does not take part today could start the next match.”
The coach added that not appearing in a particular game should not be viewed as a sign that a player has been removed from his plans.
Speaking about Jassim and other players who have yet to receive significant playing time, Ouahbi said Morocco have a large squad capable of offering different solutions.
“We have a wide group of players, and each one has a role depending on the requirements of every match,” he said.
“Not playing does not mean that a player has been excluded. It is simply a decision connected to how the match develops.”
Unused players could still receive opportunities
Ouahbi stressed that Morocco are still at an early stage of the tournament and that every player could become important later in the competition.
“We are still only in the first stages of the tournament, and there is enough time to give every player an opportunity,” he said.
“Some names have not appeared yet, but we trust their readiness, and they will have a role at the right moment.”
His comments suggest that changes could be made against Haiti, although the coach did not reveal his intended starting lineup.
Morocco must balance the need to protect key players with the importance of winning and potentially finishing first in Group C.
