World Cup 2026: Mohamed Ouahbi keeps Morocco grounded ahead of Scotland clash

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has urged his players to remain focused and avoid getting carried away by their impressive result against Brazil as the Atlas Lions prepare for a crucial Group C encounter against Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Morocco earned widespread praise after holding five-time world champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw in their opening match of the tournament, a result that strengthened belief in the North African side’s ability to compete with the world’s best.

However, Ouahbi insists the draw will count for little unless his team follows it up with a positive result against Scotland.

Speaking ahead of the clash, the Moroccan coach stressed the importance of staying grounded despite the excitement surrounding the team’s performance against the South Americans.

“We had to move on from the Brazil game and turn the page,” Ouahbi said.

“The excitement? Just look at the table. Scotland are ahead of us. They have three points and we have one. We still need to do better. We look at the standings to keep ourselves grounded.”

The coach’s comments reflect Morocco’s determination to focus on the bigger picture rather than celebrate a single result. While the draw against Brazil showcased the team’s quality and resilience, Scotland currently occupy a stronger position in Group C after securing a 1-0 victory over Haiti in their opening fixture.

That means the upcoming showdown carries significant importance for both nations. A victory for Scotland would strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stages, while Morocco know three points could propel them into a commanding position heading into their final group match.

Ouahbi’s side impressed against Brazil with a disciplined defensive display and showed they can compete with elite opposition. Nevertheless, the Moroccan manager believes consistency will be the key to progressing from a highly competitive group.

Morocco’s players have received praise from supporters and pundits alike following their performance against Brazil, but Ouahbi has made it clear that his squad must remain focused on the task ahead rather than dwelling on past achievements.

The Atlas Lions will now turn their attention to Scotland, knowing that another strong performance could significantly boost their hopes of advancing to the next round of the World Cup.

With Group C finely balanced after the opening round of matches, the encounter promises to be one of the most significant fixtures of the group stage as both teams battle for a place in the knockout rounds.