On the eve of the final group stage match of the 2026 World Cup against Haiti, Mohamed Ouahbi appeared at a press conference with a clear message: Morocco should not calculate. Currently second in their group, tied on points with Brazil but behind on goal difference, the Atlas Lions aim to secure a victory to try to finish first and approach the rest of the competition under the best conditions.
Accompanied by Munir El Kajoui, the national coach emphasized the need to respect the opponent while reminding everyone of the main objective for the Atlas Lions: to take all three points. “This is a World Cup match. Haiti will be motivated; the team will want its first goal, its first point. We want to win and be first. We must win, and if we think about anything else, we will regret it. We don’t need to score a lot of goals. We need to win first, and then we’ll see. We will respect the opponent we have analyzed for a long time. They are a good team. No one will take their foot off the gas,” said Mohamed Ouahbi in remarks made at the pre-match press conference.
The Moroccan coach also refused to speculate on the various possible scenarios, particularly those related to goal difference or future opponents in the round of 16. For him, the mission remains simple: take the three points. “We respect this Haiti team, but our mission is simple: take the three points and maintain first place in the group. I don’t want us to project ourselves onto scenarios or goal difference. The only thing that matters today is victory. The rest will come later,” he added.
When asked about the potential location for the round of 16, between the United States and Mexico, Ouahbi reiterated that Morocco primarily wants to finish ahead of Brazil. “Playing in Mexico or the United States? I want to be first, beat Haiti, and surpass Brazil. Being first allows us not to travel too much, to return to New Jersey, so that’s an advantage. But if we have to go to Monterrey, we will go with the same objective,” explained the Moroccan coach.
Regarding the team composition, Mohamed Ouahbi did not confirm any automatic rotation, despite Haiti’s situation in the group. The coach wants to field the team he deems most competitive to achieve the set goal. “As I said, the objective is to win the match, so with the best possible team. It will depend on certain factors. There are players in good physical condition; we could start with the same eleven without any problem. The players are not aware of this,” he clarified.
The coach also reflected on the physical management of Morocco’s first two matches in this World Cup. After a demanding first match against Brazil and a better-controlled physical performance against Scotland, Ouahbi believes his group is gradually gaining strength. “I said that the first match against Brazil was very intense. So we had to make changes after 60 minutes because we could no longer maintain the pressing I asked for. In the second match against Scotland, I changed late because the players felt good. We ask a lot from the players, so the goal is to do this for at least 80 minutes. And we ran more, with more intensity,” he analyzed.
On the offensive front, the Moroccan coach did not want to reduce the issue of efficiency to merely having additional strikers. For him, collective work remains crucial to bring the ball into the best areas. “We have enough players to be ambitious. It’s not by adding strikers that you will score. You need players who bring the ball into the box to have strikers who score. It’s more complicated than that. And for the defense, it’s normal. And against Scotland, it gave confidence to the group; when things go less well, the defense holds firm. I see the positive in that. We are stronger with these matches,” he emphasized.
Finishing, a topic frequently discussed around the Atlas Lions, was also addressed. Mohamed Ouahbi acknowledges that his team must convert its chances better but refuses to dramatize the situation. “There are missed opportunities, but as always. Unfortunately, for a long time now. We are not alarmed because everyone wants to do better. We will talk about it later,” he confided.
The case of Brahim Díaz was also mentioned, particularly regarding his importance in Morocco’s offensive play since the start of the competition. Capable of playing in several areas of the attack, the Real Madrid player offers different options to the Moroccan staff. “Brahim is one of those players capable of playing in multiple offensive positions. With the many creative profiles at our disposal, we are primarily looking for the best formula for the team. Whether he plays on one side or closer to the striker, he can provide solutions. His two assists illustrate his importance in the offensive sector. Our priority remains to find the right collective balance while maximizing his qualities,” Ouahbi explained.
The message sent by Mohamed Ouahbi is clear: Morocco does not want to calculate, underestimate Haiti, or project too early into the next stages of the tournament. Before thinking about the round of 16, the Netherlands, or a possible trip to Mexico, the Atlas Lions want to finish the job in this group. Against Haiti, the objective is clear: win, aim for first place, and continue the journey with confidence.
