Casablanca – Morocco head coach Jorge Vilda says the Atlas Lionesses have no intention of settling for a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification, insisting the team’s focus has already shifted to reaching the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking ahead of Morocco’s semifinal clash against Cameroon, Vilda described the squad as confident, motivated, and mentally prepared for one of the biggest matches in the country’s women’s football history.
“The team is very excited,” the Spanish coach said during the pre-match press conference. “We achieved qualification for the World Cup, and that was our first objective. But we don’t want to stop here, we want to reach the final.”
Morocco secured their place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil by advancing to the WAFCON semifinals, but Vilda stressed that the players remain fully committed to chasing continental glory.
“The players will do everything they can,” he said. “The team has great confidence and enthusiasm before tomorrow’s match. They have shown in the past that when we reach moments like this, they produce their best version. That’s exactly what we want to see again.”
Vilda also believes the atmosphere at Moulay El Hassan Stadium could work in Morocco’s favor, with thousands of home supporters expected to fill the stands.
“I think the pressure will be on Cameroon because having 22,000 Moroccans in the stadium will create enormous pressure for them,” he said.
For Morocco, however, the occasion is one to embrace rather than fear.
“For us, pressure is a privilege,” Vilda explained. “We want to be in the final, and that’s the players’ dream. So this feeling is positive, not negative.”
Vilda added that Morocco’s preparation has focused on both their own identity and Cameroon’s strengths.
“We’ve studied our opponent and we know they are physically strong. We’ve faced them before,” he said. “We’ll focus on the details of the match, strengthen our style of play, and continue giving the players confidence. I don’t need to motivate them, they are already fully motivated, mentally ready, and completely focused.”
Morocco’s quest for a place in the 2026 WAFCON final continues on Wednesday when the Atlas Lionesses face Cameroon in Rabat.
