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Rabat – Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage, Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi made it clear that his team has no preferred opponent for the Round of 32, insisting they are strategically primed for whoever they draw.
Speaking at the post-match press conference following Morocco’s victory, the Atlas Lions’ manager insisted that the coaching staff is already preparing for the distinct tactical challenges they could face in the knockout stage.
The match took place at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia on Wednesday, June 24, and saw Morocco overcome Haiti in a thrilling 4-2 victory to secure their spot in the World Cup Round of 32.
“I do not have a preferred opponent. Tomorrow we will know the team we will face, and we have three different possibilities ahead of us, each with its own style of play.” Ouahbi said.
While acknowledging that internal focus comes first, the Atlas Lions’ boss stressed that their preparation has been comprehensive enough to look ahead at potential heavyweight clashes down the line.
“We are at the World Cup, and we came here with great ambitions. We have the desire and the ambition, and we are ready for everyone. We have to prepare ourselves first, and then analyze the opponents. We have even already analyzed the performances of the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden.” He explained.
Morocco is set to cross paths with the winner of Group F in the Round of 32, meaning the Atlas Lions will face either the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden, depending on the final group stage results.
