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Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi insisted the Atlas Lions were fully prepared for their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Canada, while warning that his side would need to produce another top performance to keep their World Cup dream alive.
Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference in Houston, Ouahbi described the knockout tie as “a very difficult match” and praised the Canadian national team for their impressive campaign.
“This will be a difficult match, a very difficult match,” Ouahbi said. “We are playing in the Round of 16 of the World Cup. The team we are facing is a very good team. If we are not at our level, we will return home.”
The Morocco coach refused to respond to Canada head coach Jesse Marsch’s recent comments that the Atlas Lions have “no flaws,” saying his focus remained solely on preparing his own team.
“I cannot reply because every coach and every player has their own opinion, and I respect that. I only focus on the work we are doing for this game.”
“I respect Canada. What will be important is to play at the same level we showed in our previous matches. To win this game, we have to stay fully focused and show our quality on the pitch.”
“Everyone Is Ready”
Ouahbi confirmed that his squad had no fitness concerns ahead of the match.
“Everyone is fine, and the players who will play will be ready one hundred percent.”
He also highlighted the mentality within the squad, saying the confidence displayed by the players was the result of years of work rather than something built during the tournament.
“The psychological strength of this team is an extension of the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. It was not built today. It has been built over a long period.”
Backing Brahim Diaz
Ouahbi defended Brahim Diaz despite questions over his performances during the tournament, insisting expectations are naturally higher for elite players.
“The problem with elite players is that we always expect more from them.”
“For me, what makes me happy is that he is healthy and works hard defensively.”
The Morocco coach admitted Diaz has not yet reached the level he showed during the Africa Cup of Nations but said there was no reason to doubt him.
“It is true he has not reached his AFCON level, but I don’t only judge him by goals or assists.”
“There were players who replaced him and they were not decisive either. We should not make changes just for the sake of making changes.”
Ouahbi also dismissed suggestions that Diaz enjoys less freedom under his management than he did under former coach Walid Regragui.
“I think Brahim has freedom. We are at the World Cup, not the AFCON. They are two completely different tournaments.”
“He has played a lot, he has already provided two decisive assists, and I hope he scores goals in this World Cup.”
Praise for Canada
The Morocco boss reserved special praise for Canada’s tactical discipline and organization, describing them as one of the tournament’s strongest teams.
“What I like most about Canada is their organization and their activity.”
“They know exactly what to do with the ball. They show great concentration. They are a very good team.”
He added that Morocco respected every opponent remaining in the competition.
Confidence in His Squad
Ouahbi expressed confidence that Morocco had enough attacking quality to decide the match.
“We have players capable of scoring goals. I am sure we will be ready tomorrow.”
He also praised Soufiane Rahimi’s mentality.
“Rahimi has strong self-confidence.”
Discussing Morocco’s playing style, Ouahbi explained that the Atlas Lions are built around technically gifted players who can also meet the game’s physical demands.
“Our players love having the ball, but they also know how to run for long periods.”
“We wanted players with both speed and technical quality, and fortunately we have many players who combine both.”
Staff Behind Morocco’s Success
Ouahbi also highlighted the contribution of his technical and medical staff, saying Morocco’s achievements have been the result of teamwork rather than individual performances.
“At half-time we review video clips and adjust our plan for the second half.”
“The match against the Netherlands was not about individual effort.”
“We have a huge team working behind the scenes. Every department helps the players recover and perform at their best. Without them, we would not be able to go further in this tournament.”
Finally, Ouahbi expressed complete trust in his defense and goalkeeper.
“I hope the other team does not get close to our goal, but if they do, we have a great goalkeeper.”
The winner of Saturday’s clash between Morocco and Canada will secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
