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Rabat – Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi said the Atlas Lions will face France with only one objective: reaching the World Cup semifinals.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Ouahbi confirmed that almost all of his players are available for the quarterfinal, with Ismael Saibari the only major doubt.
“All the players are ready, except Ismael Saibari,” Ouahbi said. “This match comes a little too early for him, but I hope he will not miss the rest of the tournament.”
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Saibari’s situation is a blow for Morocco, especially after his strong performances earlier in the competition.
But Ouahbi made it clear that Morocco will not enter the match thinking about excuses.
Morocco Not thinking about defeat
The Morocco coach said his team’s tournament can only be judged once their World Cup run is over.
“When we talk about the success of our participation, the assessment will come at the end of the tournament,” Ouahbi said.
He added that the players have already spoken about the importance of giving everything against France.
“We spoke with the players, and we have a big desire to give everything to achieve our goal,” he said.
Ouahbi rejected the idea that Morocco are preparing only to avoid defeat against the two-time world champions.
“Losing to France, or to any other team, is not what we are thinking about,” he said. “Our ambition is to win.”
The coach then made Morocco’s target clear.
“Tomorrow, we will play with one goal: to qualify for the semifinals, as if that is the achievement we are chasing.”
Ouahbi: I like surprises
Morocco reached the quarterfinals after beating Canada 3-0 in the round of 16, while France advanced with a 1-0 win over Paraguay. France coach Didier Deschamps has also warned that his team must be more efficient in attack against Morocco.
Ouahbi said Morocco’s campaign has already been positive, but he insisted the team still wants more.
“What we have achieved so far is positive,” he said. “But any additional victory would be an important achievement and would give us more confidence.”
Asked about the possibility of Morocco causing a surprise against France, Ouahbi said he enjoys that idea, but added that Morocco’s level is no longer hidden.
“I like surprises,” he said. “But everyone who has watched and analyzed our matches knows very well how we play and the style of our players. That is what brought us to this level.”
His message was clear: Morocco are not arriving as a team hoping for luck.
They believe their football, organization, and ambition have earned them this place.
Another chance against France
The match also brings back memories of the 2022 World Cup semifinal, when France beat Morocco 2-0 in Qatar.
Four years later, Morocco have another chance to face the same opponent on the same stage of pressure.
But this time, Ouahbi wants his players to think only about the next step.
France have attacking stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise, but Morocco have shown during this tournament that they can compete with major teams.
The Atlas Lions are now one win away from another World Cup semifinal.
For Ouahbi, the message before France is simple.
Morocco are not here to admire the occasion.
They are here to win.
