World Cup 2026: We still wasted chances – Morocco coach Mouhamed Ouahbi after Haiti win

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi was left to rue missed chances despite his outfit securing victory over Haiti in their final group game at the 2026 World Cup.

The Atlas Lions continued their strong run in the tournament with another important win, securing them a place in the knockout stage.

After the match, Ouahbi remained critical of his team’s inefficiency in front of goal, insisting that the performance could have been more comfortable had they taken their chances earlier.

“Whatever the next opponent is, the work continues,” Ouahbi said. “We still wasted a lot of chances. I spoke to the players at half-time and told them to focus more. It’s a deserved victory.”

Morocco controlled large parts of the contest against a spirited Haitian side that refused to back down and repeatedly attempted to disrupt the North Africans’ rhythm with energetic pressing and quick counterattacks.

Despite Morocco’s dominance in possession and territory, their failure to convert several clear opportunities kept the match more competitive than expected for long periods.

Ouahbi revealed that his half-time team talk focused on improving concentration and decision-making in the final third, urging his players to remain calm and more clinical in front of goal.

The message appeared to have an impact, as Morocco improved their attacking efficiency after the break and managed to secure the result needed to maintain momentum in the group.

However, the coach was quick to downplay any sense of complacency, making it clear that topping the group was a target he had hoped for, even if the ultimate outcome still keeps Morocco in a strong position heading into the knockout rounds.

“I was aiming for first place, but it’s not a problem. There are still other things we need to work on. The most important thing is the win.”

Ouahbi’s comments reflect a broader philosophy within the Moroccan setup, where emphasis is placed not only on results but also on performance standards and continuous improvement.

Since their rise on the global stage in recent years, Morocco have developed a reputation for tactical discipline, defensive organisation, and mental resilience. However, the coach’s latest remarks highlight that attacking consistency remains an area of focus as the tournament progresses.

Despite the missed chances, Morocco’s overall campaign has been impressive, with the team showing depth, creativity, and the ability to respond in difficult moments.

The victory over Haiti further strengthens their position in the group and keeps them firmly on track for qualification to the Round of 32, where the level of competition is expected to rise significantly.

As Morocco prepare for the knockout phase, Ouahbi will be hoping his side can become more clinical in front of goal while maintaining the structure and intensity that has made them one of the standout teams in the tournament so far.

With momentum building and expectations growing, the Atlas Lions remain focused on refining their performance as they continue their World Cup journey.