World Cup 2026: Mohamed Ouahbi urges Morocco to show belief against Brazil

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has called on his players to approach their World Cup opener against Brazil with confidence rather than caution, insisting that the Atlas Lions should embrace the challenge of facing one of football’s most decorated sides.

The North Africans meet the Brazil national football team in New Jersey on Saturday in one of the standout fixtures of the group stage, a match that arrives against the backdrop of Morocco’s recent rise on the global stage following their historic run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Speaking ahead of the contest, Ouahbi—who took over from Walid Regragui in March—said the encounter would serve as an important measure of his team’s readiness for the tournament.

“It’s a match that will tell us where we stand, but I think we’re in a good place to start this competition,” said Ouahbi, who replaced Walid Regragui as Morocco boss in March.

“We’ve got to be in confident in ourselves and what we’ve done. We shouldn’t fear Brazil but treat them with respect.”

While acknowledging Brazil’s evolving squad, Ouahbi dismissed suggestions that the five-time world champions had lost their edge, warning that reputation alone still carries weight on the biggest stage.

“Lots of people say it’s not the Brazil of old, but it’s still Brazil.”

The fixture is expected to draw significant global attention, with Morocco aiming to build on their growing reputation as one of Africa’s most competitive sides in international football.

Their run to the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago reshaped expectations around the team and raised belief that they can consistently challenge elite opposition.

For Brazil, the match represents an early test of their title ambitions as they look to add a sixth World Cup crown to their record haul.

With both sides entering the tournament under intense scrutiny, Saturday’s encounter in New Jersey is shaping up as a defining early indicator of form, confidence, and intent.