Rabat – Ahead of Morocco’s 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against France, national team head coach Mohamed Ouahbi dismissed concerns over his players’ fitness during a press conference on July 9. 

Citing performance data, Ouahbi revealed that the Atlas Lions have increased their high-intensity running after each match, despite the mounting physical demands of the tournament, as they prepare for what could be their toughest test yet. 

Ouahbi points to the numbers 

“After every match, we analyze the data, and with each game we run at a higher intensity,” Ouahbi said, highlighting how performance data has become an increasingly important tool for coaches to analyze matches and prepare their teams.

“Against Canada, we set another record for high-intensity running,” he added, pointing to the team’s improving physical condition. Morocco covered “only 100 fewer meters at high intensity” than it did against the Netherlands, even though that match lasted 120 minutes. According to Ouahbi, these figures reflect his players’ determination to keep pushing themselves throughout the tournament. “That tells us the players still want more—they still have plenty left in them”, he said.

A young and recovered squad

Behind those performances, Ouahbi credited the medical staff’s work, the team’s recovery management, and the young age of several players. “We have a lot of young players, so that’s an advantage”, the Moroccan coach said. Their physical condition will be crucial ahead of Morocco’s quarter-final clash against France. 

Keeping the Atlas Lions fresh

As many questioned the Atlas Lions’ ability to sustain such high-intensity performances throughout the tournament, especially following Ismael Saibari’s injury and Chadi Riad’s return from injury, Mohamed Ouahbi insisted that his squad is ready despite the accumulation of matches. “From what I saw on the pitch, the players are fresh both mentally and physically”, he said.