World Cup 2026: Bouaddi calls for patience as Morocco look beyond heartbreak

Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has urged patience following the Atlas Lions’ exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the team remains united and committed to its long-term ambitions despite a quarter-final defeat to France.

The North Africans saw their campaign come to an end after a 2-0 loss to France, with Bouaddi acknowledging that Morocco had expected a stern test against one of the tournament favourites.

Speaking to beIN Sports after the match, the young midfielder said the Atlas Lions had given everything but admitted their lack of efficiency ultimately proved costly.

Bouaddi backs Morocco’s long-term vision

Despite the disappointment of elimination, Bouaddi stressed that the squad remains fully committed to the project being led by head coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

“We are a family,” he said, emphasising that the Atlas Lions will continue to build their momentum.

Looking ahead to future competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations, Bouaddi cautioned against expecting immediate success, saying Morocco’s ambitions will require time and continued development rather than instant results.

Ouahbi questions VAR incident

Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi also reflected on the defeat, expressing pride in his players’ effort while admitting mistakes had contributed to the result.

The Morocco coach remained optimistic about the team’s future but also raised concerns over a controversial moment in the build-up to France’s opening goal.

Ouahbi said the goal came after a contested ball, with several Moroccan players believing there had been a handball during the move involving Adrien Rabiot.

“I don’t know whether it should have been called or not. I really don’t know… I am not a referee,” Ouahbi said.

Morocco leave with African pride intact

Although their World Cup journey ended in the quarter-finals, Morocco once again carried the hopes of Africa and the Arab world deep into the tournament.

The Atlas Lions were the only African and Arab nation to reach the last eight of the 2026 World Cup, reinforcing their status as one of the continent’s leading football powers.

Morocco also remains the only African and Arab country to have reached a FIFA World Cup semi-final, having achieved the historic feat at the 2022 tournament, a landmark that continues to shape the country’s growing reputation on the global stage.