World Cup 2026: Mohamed Ouahbi praises Morocco’s resilience after commanding win over Canada to reach quarter-finals

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has hailed his side’s mental strength and tactical discipline after a convincing 3-0 victory over Canada in their World Cup Round of 16 clash, booking a place in the quarter-finals against France.

Speaking after the match, Ouahbi admitted the contest was anything but straightforward, particularly in a tense and physically demanding first half.

“The first half was very intense,” he said in his post-match press conference. “There were a few adjustments to be made at half-time. We were never safe from pressure.”

Despite the difficulties, the Moroccan coach praised his players for sticking to their principles and not abandoning their style under pressure.

“What matters is we didn’t change our identity, we didn’t change our game philosophy,” he said. “There were lots of ideas being thrown around and we took the best one.”

He added that navigating difficult moments is part of the challenge at the highest level of international football.

“We are playing the World Cup which means there will be difficult moments,” Ouahbi said. “What matters is when we are not at our best, we have to be resilient. We have to remember who we are playing for and what we are playing for.”

After a goalless and tightly contested opening period, Morocco emerged from the break with greater precision and attacking intent, turning the game decisively in their favour.

Azzedine Ounahi proved the difference-maker, scoring twice in the 50th and 82nd minutes to put the Atlas Lions firmly in control before Youssef En-Nesyri Rahimi added a late third to seal a comprehensive victory.

The result sends Morocco into the quarter-finals, where they will face France on Thursday, July 9 at the Boston Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT.