Morocco ‘among teams capable of winning World Cup’, says Mohamed Ouahbi

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi says his side are now regarded as genuine contenders to win the World Cup after reaching the quarter-finals at the 2026 tournament.

The Atlas Lions were eliminated by France in a 2-0 defeat at that stage, but their performances have earned international recognition, according to Ouahbi.

Speaking at the Confederation of African Football’s strategic conference in Santa Maria, on the island of Sal in Cape Verde, he reflected on Morocco’s progress three months after the tournament.

The event included a presentation by Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s director of global football development, and his team. Their analysis examined the performances of the 10 African nations that competed at the most recent World Cup.

Ouahbi said the findings placed Morocco among the leading teams in several areas of the game.

“It is very rewarding, and we are very proud to be the team that made the biggest impression in many aspects of the game,” he said.

The coach highlighted Morocco’s high pressing, aggression, possession, ability to control counter-attacks and defensive set-pieces as areas in which the team had attracted particular attention.

“We felt that, when you are Morocco today, people listen to you and follow you, and that Morocco is working very, very well at the moment,” Ouahbi added.

The recognition follows a period of sustained improvement for the national team.

Morocco became the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final at Qatar 2022 under Walid Regragui. They strengthened that reputation at the 2026 World Cup under Ouahbi, who was appointed only three months before the competition.

They drew 1-1 with Brazil in the group stage, defeated the Netherlands on penalties in the round of 32 and then beat Canada 3-0 in the last 16 before their campaign ended against France.

Ouahbi, however, said Morocco must use the experience as a platform rather than regard it as the culmination of their progress.

“We have to continue along this path and learn the lessons. It is also good to exchange ideas with the African countries. We need the African countries in order to perform and play high-level matches,” he said.

He then set out an ambition that would represent a landmark for the continent.

“Our ambition is to become the first African team to win the World Cup, God willing,” Ouahbi said.

That objective carries added significance with the 2030 World Cup approaching. Morocco will co-host that tournament alongside Spain and Portugal.

Ouahbi wants the national team to continue developing so that it is no longer simply capable of surprising football’s major powers, but is established among the teams competing for the world title.