World Cup 2026: Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi admits facing selection headache

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi has admitted difficulty in choosing his starting line up for matches at the 2026 World Cup.

The Atlas Lions is continuing to mirror the success of their historic 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign after securing a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Scotland in their second Group C match at the tournament.

Morocco, who began their campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Brazil, followed up with a disciplined and mature performance to claim their first win of the tournament in Foxborough, near Boston. The result also marks Morocco’s sixth victory in World Cup history, further strengthening their position in the group and moving them closer to qualification for the round of 32.

With three points now secured, Morocco are well-placed ahead of their final group fixture against Haiti on June 24, with the Caribbean side already eliminated from the competition.

After the game, Ouahbi admitted the performance of the players in camp are making it difficult for him to select his starting lineup for matches.

“When I took over coaching the Moroccan national team, I wanted to leave my mark and implement my footballing principles by relying on several ideas I believe in,” he said.

“My good knowledge of the players and each one’s ability to fulfill their assigned roles made my job easier and helped me build a team that performed exceptionally well on the pitch.”

He also highlighted the versatility within the squad, pointing to the ability of several players to adapt to multiple roles depending on tactical needs.

“There are players who start the match, and others on the bench who can do the same, if not better,” he noted, underlining the internal competition that is driving performance levels upward.

“It’s a big problem for me to choose the starting lineup, but at the same time, it’s healthy considering the strong competition among the players and their readiness to give their best whenever we need them,” he said.

With qualification within reach, Morocco now turn their attention to their final group match against Haiti, where victory would almost certainly confirm their place in the knockout rounds.

As optimism grows around the squad’s potential, comparisons with their historic 2022 campaign continue to intensify. However, the coaching staff remain focused on one message: progress is not yet complete, and the next step must still be earned on the pitch.