Morocco can be ‘unstoppable’ at World Cup, says coach Mohamed Ouabhi after Netherlands win

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouabhi has issued a bold warning to the rest of the tournament, insisting the Atlas Lions are capable of becoming “unstoppable” if they sustain their current level of performance.

The North Africans, who reached the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup, booked their place in the last 16 on Monday after edging the Netherlands on penalties in Monterrey following a 1-1 draw after extra time. The result underlined Morocco’s growing reputation as one of the most tactically disciplined and resilient sides in world football.

It was another assured showing from the African champions, who controlled large phases of the contest and refused to buckle under pressure in a tense knockout encounter.

Speaking after the match, Ouabhi credited Morocco’s recent rise to the legacy of their historic 2022 campaign — when they became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals — saying it had fundamentally changed the team’s mentality.

Mohamed Ouabhi said Moroccan football is now benefiting from that breakthrough, adding that belief has spread from the national team to supporters and players across the country.

“The World Cup in Qatar changed the mentality of the Morocco team,” he said, noting that confidence within the squad and among fans has grown significantly since that tournament. He added that expectations, while high, are now driven by belief in what the team can achieve.

Morocco will next face co-hosts Canada in the last 16, with a potential quarter-final clash against France looming.

Despite growing optimism, Ouabhi moved to temper expectations, stressing that complacency would be dangerous at this stage of the competition. He described Canada as a dangerous opponent capable of causing problems if underestimated.

At the same time, the Moroccan coach maintained that his side’s ceiling remains high if they execute their game plan consistently.

“What we need to be telling ourselves is no one can stop us,” he said. “We’re unstoppable if we play the football that we know how to play.”

He added that success would depend on discipline and attention to detail, warning that mistakes at this level could quickly end their campaign.