We want to reach WAFCON 2026 final after securing World Cup spot – Morocco coach Jorge Vilda

Morocco head coach Jorge Vilda says the Atlas Lionesses are determined to continue their impressive run at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The North African women football powerhouse are set for a crucial semifinal clash against Cameroon.

And according to the coach, the team ultimate objective is to secure to beat Cameroon and secure a place in the final of the tournament.

“The team is very motivated. We have qualified for the World Cup, which was our primary objective, and we wanted to be at the 2027 World Cup. Achieving this dream was a source of great joy, but we don’t want to stop here; we want to reach the final.”

Morocco secured their place at next year’s global tournament after progressing through the WAFCON, but Vilda insists qualification alone will not satisfy his team.

The Atlas Lionesses will now turn their attention to Cameroon, with a place in the final at stake.

Vilda believes his players are fully prepared for the pressure of a semi-final and expects them to produce their best performance when it matters most.

“The players will give their all, and the team is full of confidence and enthusiasm ahead of tomorrow’s game. They’ve proven this in the past, and when it comes to these moments, they show their best form, and that’s what we want to do tomorrow.”

The Spanish tactician acknowledged the quality of Cameroon and expects a closely contested semi-final between two sides that have performed strongly throughout the competition.

“We know we are facing strong teams, and Cameroon has done well in the competition. I think the semi-final will be a balanced and close match, decided by small details, but I’m confident that if my team plays to its usual standard, we will win.”

With a large crowd expected to support Morocco, Vilda believes the home advantage could also create additional pressure for Cameroon.

“I think the pressure will be on Cameroon, because having 22,000 Moroccans in the stadium will create a lot of pressure.”

Rather than viewing pressure as a burden, however, Vilda believes his players should embrace the occasion and enjoy the opportunity to compete in front of a passionate home crowd.

“For us, pressure is a privilege. We want to be in the final, and that’s the players’ dream, so this feeling is positive, not negative. We’ve worked throughout the past year on how to handle these feelings, envisioning these moments and imagining the players enjoying them, because they are unique moments in life.”

“We’ve studied our opponent, and we know they are physically strong, as we’ve faced them before. We’ll focus on the details of the match, refine our playing style, and give the players confidence. I don’t need to motivate them; they’re fully motivated, mentally prepared, and highly focused.”

The coach also dismissed concerns about the age of some members of his squad, insisting that their experience is an advantage rather than a weakness.

“Experience is not a problem, quite the opposite. These players are professionals who take great care of their performance and fitness, and they live a professional life 24/7, which is why they have reached this level.”

Vilda expects Cameroon to pose a significant physical threat and warned his players to be particularly alert to their opponents’ counter-attacking and set-piece abilities.

“Cameroon is primarily characterized by its physical strength, and it is also dangerous on the counter-attack and set pieces, and we have studied this thoroughly. We have our own strengths and our own style of football, and we will try to give our all from the first minute.”

The Morocco coach is also preparing his team for every possible outcome, including extra time and a potential penalty shootout.

“We know that the match could last 90 minutes or 120 minutes, and it could even go to penalties, and we are prepared for all of these scenarios.”

Vilda remains confident in his players’ ability to adapt to whatever the semi-final demands, pointing to the different challenges they have already overcome during the tournament.

The coach believes Morocco have demonstrated that they can create numerous chances, defend patiently when necessary and make the most of opportunities when they arise.

With World Cup qualification already secured, the Atlas Lionesses can now focus entirely on their continental ambitions.

Vilda and his players will be hoping to deliver another strong performance against Cameroon and book their place in the WAFCON final, keeping alive their dream of lifting the trophy on home soil.