World Cup 2026: Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi warns against complacency ahead of Scotland clash

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi has urged his players to remain fully focused ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup showdown against Scotland.

In a highly competitive clash on Friday night, the North African football heavyweights will lock horns with the European outfit in their second Group C match.

At a press conference, Ouahbi stressed that Morocco still has work to do in Group C and must secure another positive result to strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage.

“Just by looking at the standings, you can see that we are not in a position to relax or feel complacent,” Wahbi said. “What we have achieved so far has been good, but it remains within the limits of what we know we can do. I believe this team is capable of producing even better performances.”

The Moroccan tactician explained that the technical staff remains focused on improving the team from one match to another, adding that the objective against Scotland is not only to achieve a good result but also to deliver a stronger overall performance.

Wahbi acknowledged the challenges posed by the Scottish side and admitted the encounter would demand a high level of concentration and discipline from his players due to the importance of the fixture.

The Atlas Lions coach also addressed concerns regarding Morocco’s attacking efficiency after the opening game, noting that effectiveness in front of goal is influenced by several factors beyond training ground preparation.

“We have worked on this aspect,” he explained. “But effectiveness is not only linked to training sessions. Sometimes it also depends on the profiles of the players on the pitch, the tactical choices made and the roles assigned to them during the game.

Wahbi further highlighted the importance of establishing a clear playing identity within the national team setup, stressing that tactical understanding and chemistry between players require time to fully develop.

According to the Moroccan coach, some players are still adapting to roles that differ from the positions they occupy at club level, making patience and continuous work essential in the team-building process.

“There are details that need time to improve, whether in movement or understanding between players,” he stated. “Some players do not yet possess all the characteristics needed for the positions they occupy within the national team, and that is completely normal.”

Despite the areas that still require improvement, Wahbi expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to raise their level in the upcoming matches, insisting the players remain highly motivated and eager to succeed on the world stage.

He concluded by revealing that the signs shown by the squad during recent training sessions have been encouraging, while reaffirming the team’s determination to continue progressing as the tournament advances.