WAFCON 2026: Jorge Vilda backs Morocco to reach final after World Cup qualification

Morocco head coach Jorge Vilda says his side are determined to reach the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final after securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Atlas Lionesses booked their place at the global tournament in Brazil by reaching the WAFCON semi-finals, but Vilda insists World Cup qualification was only the first objective.

Morocco face Cameroon in the semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday, with Vilda confident his players are ready to handle the occasion and the expectation of a home crowd.

“The team is very excited,” the Spanish coach said during the pre-match press conference. “We achieved qualification for the World Cup, and that was our first objective. But we don’t want to stop here, we want to reach the final.”

Morocco embrace pressure

Vilda believes the atmosphere at Moulay El Hassan Stadium could create a difficult environment for Cameroon, with about 22,000 Moroccan supporters expected to attend.

“I think the pressure will be on Cameroon because having 22,000 Moroccans in the stadium will create enormous pressure for them,” he said.

While the size of the occasion could weigh heavily on the opposition, Vilda believes Morocco should embrace the responsibility that comes with playing in front of their home supporters.

“For us, pressure is a privilege,” Vilda explained. “We want to be in the final, and that’s the players’ dream. So this feeling is positive, not negative.”

Vilda confident in his players

The Morocco coach said his squad have already demonstrated their ability to perform when faced with high-pressure matches and expects another strong display against Cameroon.

“The players will do everything they can,” he said. “The team has great confidence and enthusiasm before tomorrow’s match. They have shown in the past that when we reach moments like this, they produce their best version. That’s exactly what we want to see again.”

Vilda added that the team are mentally prepared and do not require additional motivation ahead of the semi-final.

“I don’t need to motivate them, they are already fully motivated, mentally ready, and completely focused.”

Cameroon provide a physical test

Morocco have also studied their opponents carefully, with Vilda expecting Cameroon to pose a significant physical challenge.

“We’ve studied our opponent and we know they are physically strong. We’ve faced them before,” he said. “We’ll focus on the details of the match, strengthen our style of play, and continue giving the players confidence.”

The Atlas Lionesses will be looking to use home advantage once again as they pursue a place in the final and a chance to claim their first WAFCON title.

With World Cup qualification already secured, Vilda’s message is clear: Morocco’s ambitions extend beyond Brazil 2027, with continental glory now the immediate target.