World Cup 2026: Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi targets final after Brazil draw

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has set his sights on achieving even greater success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, declaring that his ambition is to take the Atlas Lions beyond their historic semi-final appearance in 2022 and reach the tournament final.

Speaking after Morocco’s impressive 1-1 draw with Brazil in their opening Group C fixture on Saturday, Ouahbi made it clear that while he respects the achievements of the previous World Cup campaign, his focus is firmly on surpassing them.

The Atlas Lions earned a valuable point against one of football’s traditional powerhouses, producing a disciplined and confident display that once again highlighted Morocco’s growing status on the global stage.

Ouahbi Rejects Comparisons With 2022 Campaign

During his post-match media duties, Ouahbi was asked whether the draw against Brazil reminded him of Morocco’s goalless draw with Croatia in their opening match at the 2022 World Cup, a tournament that ultimately saw the North Africans make history by reaching the semi-finals.

The coach quickly dismissed any direct comparison, insisting that his objectives for the current squad extend beyond repeating what was achieved four years ago.

“We drew today, but we cannot compare it to the Croatia match in the 2022 World Cup,” the coach said.

He added, “If you ask me whether I want to follow the same path, I would say no, because I want to go to a point further than the semi-finals. It was a beautiful match, and we earned a point from it, even though we were hoping to get the win.”

Strong Start Against Brazil

Morocco opened their World Cup campaign with an encouraging performance against Brazil and looked capable of securing all three points for large periods of the contest.

Ismael Saibari handed the Atlas Lions the advantage in the 21st minute with a superb strike that rewarded Morocco’s bright start. Brazil eventually responded through Vinícius Júnior, whose goal ensured the points were shared in a highly entertaining encounter.

Despite conceding the equaliser, Morocco emerged from the match with renewed confidence and further evidence that they can compete with the world’s elite nations.

Attention Turns to Scotland and Haiti

Following their draw with Brazil, Morocco now prepare for the next stage of their Group C campaign.

The Atlas Lions will face Scotland in Boston on June 19 before concluding the group stage against Haiti in Atlanta on June 24. With four points from their opening two matches still within reach, Ouahbi’s side will be aiming to strengthen their position and move a step closer to the knockout rounds.

For a coach already looking beyond the achievements of 2022, the message is clear: Morocco are not in the United States, Canada and Mexico simply to relive history. They are aiming to create a new chapter of their own.