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Rabat – Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi insists his players are not tired ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Canada, despite playing 120 minutes in their dramatic victory over the Netherlands.
The highly anticipated Round of 16 fixture takes place today at Houston Stadium in Texas, with kick-off scheduled for 6:00 PM Moroccan time.
The Moroccan tactician believes mental strength will be the key to winning, adding that his team still has plenty of energy left.
When asked about the quick turnaround and the physical strain on his players during the pre-match press conference, Ouahbi made it clear that physical fatigue will not be an excuse.
“Playing 120 minutes against the Netherlands and getting less rest than Canada? At this level, it all comes down to the mental side. When your brain is capable of doing things, you can go far.” Ouahbi said.
The coach also pointed to his team’s improving physical performances and strong sense of purpose as driving factors for their success.
“In every game we run more than the game before it, which means we are improving as the tournament progresses, and we still have plenty of fuel left,” he added. “In every match, we see that the players know who they are playing for and why they are playing, and this gives them an energy that makes them forget they had less time to recover, or that they played 120 minutes. That is why I am convinced we will be at our best.”
Ouahbi concluded by reflecting on the massive significance of the fixture, acknowledging that there is absolutely no room for error.
“We are playing in the World Cup Round of 16, and if we don’t perform at our best, we will be eliminated no matter who we face. The players know this very well, and that is why I consider this match one of the most important of my coaching career.” He explained.
With tactical preparations complete and team morale high, the Atlas Lions enter the pitch focused entirely on securing a historic victory and advancing to the quarter-finals of the global tournament.
