World Cup 2026: Mohamed Ouahbi urges Morocco to dream big after unbeaten run into knockout stage

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has challenged his players to believe they can make history by becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA World Cup after sealing qualification to the Round of 32 without suffering defeat.

The Atlas Lions maintained their impressive form at the tournament with a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory over Haiti on Wednesday, securing second place in Group C behind Brazil only on goal difference.

Morocco will now face either the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden in the knockout phase, with the tie scheduled for Monday in Monterrey.

Having become the first African country to reach the World Cup semi-finals at Qatar 2022, Ouahbi believes his side can continue to break barriers on the global stage.

The Moroccan tactician, who guided his country’s Under-20 side to World Cup glory last year, said the team’s growing confidence and international standing have created the belief that an even greater achievement is possible.

“Morocco have entered a whole new dimension. The players, the fans believe in their team and our opponents respect our team,” Ouahbi said.

“We need to believe in this objective, this target (to win the World Cup). We need to go all in, respect our opponents and be 100 per cent committed to this ambition.

“I believe a lot in my work and the work of my staff and we have all the ingredients to become the best nation.”

The Netherlands remain the most likely opponents for Morocco in the next round. The Dutch currently lead Japan on goals scored and take on already-eliminated Tunisia in their final Group F fixture on Thursday.

However, Ouahbi insisted he has no preference over who his side faces in the knockout stage.

“I have no preferences, we will see tomorrow who we will play against,” he added.

“We will play that game with the same objective and confidence.”

While Morocco celebrated progression, Haiti exited the competition without a point. Nevertheless, the Caribbean nation earned widespread admiration during its first World Cup appearance since 1974.

Les Grenadiers scored their first World Cup goals in 52 years against Morocco, with an own goal by Yassine Bounou and a spectacular strike from Wilson Isidor twice giving Haiti the lead in Atlanta.

Despite the defeat, Haiti coach Sebastien Migne praised his players for their fighting spirit.

“I am disappointed with the result, but I didn’t feel that my players gave up,” Migne said.

“They embodied the Haitian people who do not give up.

“The team represented Haiti with great distinction.”