World Cup 2026: Mohamed Ouahbi says Morocco are better than in 2022 ahead of France quarter-final

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi believes his team has developed beyond the side that reached the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals as the Atlas Lions prepare for another meeting with France in the quarter-finals of the 2026 tournament.

Speaking on the eve of Thursday’s match, Ouahbi made it clear that Morocco’s ambitions extend far beyond simply matching their previous achievement in Qatar.

The coach insisted his players are focused solely on reaching the semi-finals and ultimately competing for the World Cup title.

Morocco arrive in the last eight after progressing through the group stage before eliminating the Netherlands in the Round of 32 and Canada in the Round of 16.

Their reward is another meeting with France, the side that ended Morocco’s historic World Cup journey four years earlier.

Despite France’s status as one of the tournament favourites, Ouahbi said his squad has no intention of approaching the contest as underdogs.

Mohamed Ouahbi rejects talk of a successful tournament before France clash

During his pre-match press conference, the Morocco coach dismissed suggestions that the Atlas Lions had already exceeded expectations by reaching the quarter-finals.

Instead, he stressed that the team remains fully focused on achieving more.

“When you say we’ve had a successful competition, I don’t like it; assessments should be made at the end. We’re doing everything to win, we’re not going to listen to those who say what we’ve done is already good, that France is the favorite. We won’t fall into that trap. Tomorrow we’re going to play to reach the semi-finals, as if we have our backs against the wall. There are no bonuses, the only bonus is winning the Cup.”

The comments underline Morocco’s determination to continue their World Cup campaign rather than settle for praise earned from reaching the last eight.

Ouahbi’s message also reflected the competitive mentality he wants his players to maintain before facing one of Europe’s strongest national teams.

Morocco coach says the Atlas Lions have improved since 2022

While acknowledging Morocco’s memorable run at the previous World Cup, Ouahbi believes the current squad has made further progress.

He pointed to the continued development of the national team and the work carried out within Moroccan football since the 2022 tournament.

“Our strengths are what brought us back here compared to four years ago. We’re evolving, and so is France. We’re better than in 2022; both federations are working well together. In 2022, I had regrets as a supporter. We have to play this match, without regrets, do better, and play at 2000% without thinking that what we’ve done so far is just okay. We have to be fiercely competitive.”

His remarks suggest Morocco are approaching the encounter with confidence, believing the experience gained over recent years has strengthened the team.

France face a confident Morocco side in quarter-final showdown

Morocco’s path to the quarter-finals has reinforced the belief within the squad that they can compete with the world’s leading teams.

Victories over the Netherlands and Canada have given the Atlas Lions momentum ahead of another high-profile meeting with France.

For Ouahbi, however, past achievements will count for little once the match begins.

His focus remains firmly on ensuring Morocco play without regret and maintain the competitive approach that has brought them this far in the tournament.

With a place in the semi-finals at stake, the Atlas Lions will attempt to surpass their 2022 achievement against a French side they know well.

The stage is now set for another chapter in the growing rivalry between the two nations, with Morocco convinced they have the quality to continue their historic World Cup journey.