World Cup 2026: The only bonus is winning the trophy – Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has reiterated that the Atlas Lions remain fully focused on winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup and are not content with simply reaching the quarter-finals.

In a highly anticipated quarterfinal encounter on Thursday, July 9, the North African powerhouse will take place on France at the Gillette Stadium, with Morocco aiming to secure a historic place in the semi-finals of the tournament.

Ahead of the clash, Ouahbi insists his team’s ultimate target is to continue progressing and secure a place in the semi-finals.

Morocco have enjoyed a historic campaign at the tournament, earning widespread praise for their performances and resilience on the global stage. However, Ouahbi dismissed suggestions that the team should already consider their journey a success, stressing that the final judgement on their campaign will only come at the end of the competition.

Despite facing one of the strongest teams in world football, Ouahbi believes Morocco must approach the match with confidence and the mentality of a team determined to win.

“When you say we’ve had a successful tournament, I don’t like that the final assessment comes at the end. We’re doing everything we can to win; we’re not going to listen to those who say, ‘What you’ve done so far is good enough’ or ‘France are the favourites’.”

The Moroccan coach insisted his players will not be distracted by outside expectations or the reputation of their opponents, maintaining that the team’s ambition remains unchanged.

“We won’t fall into that trap. We’re going to play to reach the semi-finals, as if our backs were against the wall.”

Ouahbi also rejected the idea that Morocco’s impressive run should be viewed as an achievement in itself, stating that the team’s only reward will come from lifting the trophy at the end of the tournament.

“There’s no such thing as a bonus; the only bonus is winning the Cup.”

A victory over France would send the Atlas Lions into the semi-finals and further strengthen their reputation as one of the strongest footballing nations on the global stage.

However, standing in their way is a France side packed with world-class talent and tournament experience. The quarter-final meeting is expected to be a tactical battle between two teams with serious ambitions of reaching the final stages of the competition.

For Ouahbi and his players, the message is clear: Morocco are not in the United States merely to compete — they are aiming to win the World Cup.