Ouahbi confirms Saibari absence but says Morocco are playing to beat France

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has confirmed midfielder Ismael Saibari will miss the Atlas Lions’ World Cup quarter-final against France, but says his side’s ambition remains unchanged as they chase a place in the semi-finals.

Speaking ahead of Thursday’s last-eight encounter, Ouahbi revealed Saibari is the only player unavailable, while making it clear Morocco are approaching the contest with victory, not damage limitation, in mind.

“All the players are ready, except Ismael Saibari,” Ouahbi said. “This match comes a little too early for him, but I hope he will not miss the rest of the tournament.”

Saibari’s absence comes as a setback for Morocco after the midfielder played an influential role during the tournament, but Ouahbi insisted his squad will not use injuries as an excuse.

Morocco targeting victory, not survival

The Morocco coach said the success of his team’s World Cup campaign will only be measured once the tournament is over, adding that his players are determined to continue their historic run.

“When we talk about the success of our participation, the assessment will come at the end of the tournament,” Ouahbi said.

He revealed the squad had already discussed the importance of giving everything against the two-time world champions.

“We spoke with the players, and we have a big desire to give everything to achieve our goal,” he said.

Ouahbi also dismissed suggestions that Morocco’s priority is simply to avoid defeat.

“Losing to France, or to any other team, is not what we are thinking about,” he said. “Our ambition is to win.”

The coach left no doubt about the objective for the quarter-final.

“Tomorrow, we will play with one goal: to qualify for the semifinals, as if that is the achievement we are chasing.”

Confidence despite formidable challenge

Morocco booked their place in the quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada, while France edged Paraguay 1-0 to reach the last eight.

Although France boast an attack featuring Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise, Ouahbi believes Morocco have already demonstrated they can compete with the world’s strongest teams.

Reflecting on his side’s campaign, the coach welcomed the progress made but insisted the Atlas Lions are not satisfied.

“What we have achieved so far is positive,” he said. “But any additional victory would be an important achievement and would give us more confidence.”

Asked whether Morocco could spring another surprise on the global stage, Ouahbi suggested the team’s performances have removed any element of mystery.

“I like surprises,” he said. “But everyone who has watched and analysed our matches knows very well how we play and the style of our players. That is what brought us to this level.”

Another opportunity to make history

Thursday’s meeting with France is a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when the European side ended Morocco’s historic run in Qatar with a 2-0 victory.

Four years on, the Atlas Lions have another opportunity to challenge France on football’s biggest stage, needing just one more win to reach another World Cup semi-final.

For Ouahbi, however, the focus is firmly on the present. Morocco have not travelled this far to make up the numbers, they believe they have earned their place among the world’s best and are determined to take the next step.