World Cup 2026: Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi pleased with teams’ progress after dominant Madagascar win

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has expressed confidence in his team’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup after the Atlas Lions secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Madagascar in a friendly match in Rabat.

Speaking after the game, Ouahbi stressed that the encounter was about more than just the result, explaining that the coaching staff used the match to fine-tune tactical plans and assess the readiness of players ahead of the global tournament.

“The important thing was to win, present a good image, and implement the instructions. We made many changes, which is unusual, but we tried several options and came away with important conclusions. I was also impressed with the prevailing mentality within the group and the great harmony among the players,” he said.

The Moroccan coach revealed that the friendly provided valuable insights as he continues to shape his squad for the World Cup, where competition for places remains intense.

Ouahbi also provided updates on several key players. He confirmed that defender Nayef Aguerd is continuing his rehabilitation programme and that a decision on his availability will be taken at the appropriate time. He added that Soufiane Saâdane remains fully fit and available for selection.

The coach explained that Nayel El Aynaoui missed the match through illness, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was rested as a precaution after experiencing shoulder discomfort.

Ouahbi reserved special praise for the Moroccan supporters who packed the stands, describing their backing as a major source of motivation for the players. He also addressed the brief appearance of Brahim Díaz, noting that the midfielder’s popularity with fans was one of the reasons he was included.

Looking ahead, the national team boss believes strong competition within the squad is helping to raise standards, with every player eager to earn a place in the starting line-up.

He concluded by insisting that preparations are far from complete and highlighted the importance of the upcoming friendly against Norway.

“We have a solid defense, but Norway will present us with different situations, and that’s what we need before the World Cup. We want to be prepared for all possible scenarios, because the goal is to reach peak readiness when the tournament begins,” Wahbi said.

Morocco will now turn their attention to the Norway test as they continue their final build-up, hoping to arrive at the World Cup fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.