Ouahbi says Morocco must dream of World Cup glory after Haiti win
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi says the Atlas Lions must now carry the ambition of winning the World Cup after securing their place in the round of 32 with a 4-2 victory over Haiti.
The Atlas Lions twice came from behind in Atlanta before second-half goals helped them finish the group stage unbeaten on seven points.
Morocco ended Group C level with Brazil but had to settle for second place on goal difference, setting up a knockout tie against the winners of Group F.
That group includes the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia, with the final identity of Morocco’s next opponent to be confirmed later.
Despite missing out on top spot, Ouahbi said Morocco had shown enough control, confidence and attacking quality to approach the knockout stage with belief.
He also insisted the team must respect every opponent, while refusing to lower their ambitions.
Morocco survive Haiti scare
Morocco entered the final group match knowing qualification was within reach, but Haiti made the contest difficult with an energetic and fearless performance.
The Caribbean side took the lead early and later went ahead again before Morocco responded through Achraf Hakimi and Ismail Saibari before half-time.
In the second half, the Atlas Lions improved, pressed higher and found the goals that secured victory.
Substitutes Soufiane Rahimi and Yassine Jassim scored after the break to complete the turnaround and send Morocco into the knockout rounds.
Ouahbi admitted Haiti had made the match complicated, but he felt Morocco largely controlled the contest.
"We knew that this team had nothing to lose, and that they would do everything to score."
He added: "We faced some difficulties, but they only had two shots on our goal, while we were completely in control. I don't think the Moroccan national team has ever dominated like this in the World Cup before, and don't forget that we are talking about the World Cup."
Tactical changes lift Atlas Lions
Morocco’s first-half performance carried moments of danger but also signs of defensive vulnerability.
Haiti scored twice and forced Morocco to chase the game, but Ouahbi said his side improved after tactical adjustments.
The changes after the break helped Morocco gain more control, create clearer chances and eventually take the game away from Haiti.
"We had many opportunities in the first half, and the performance improved in the second half. I asked the players to make some tactical changes, which helped us to perform better."
The impact of the bench was also important.
Rahimi gave Morocco their first lead in the 78th minute, while Jassim’s late goal sealed the win after a VAR check.
For African audiences, the victory was another sign of Morocco’s growing depth.
The Atlas Lions were not at their most comfortable, but they found solutions when the match became difficult.
That ability to respond under pressure could be vital in the knockout stage.
No preferred opponent
Morocco’s next match will be against the winners of Group F, but Ouahbi refused to name a preferred opponent.
The Netherlands are strongly placed to finish top, although Japan, Sweden and Tunisia remain part of the group picture.
Ouahbi said Morocco’s focus must be on preparation rather than fear or preference.
"There is no preference for any team. We will prepare ourselves appropriately, and whoever the opponent is, we will be ready for him."
At his post-match press conference, the Morocco coach said his staff had already studied the possible opponents.
"We came to the World Cup with great ambitions. We have the desire and the ambition, and we are ready for everyone. We have to prepare ourselves and then do our part in analyzing the competitors, and we have even analyzed the performance of the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden."
That message will appeal to Moroccan supporters who now expect the team to compete with the strongest nations in the tournament.
After reaching the semi-finals in 2022, Morocco are no longer seen simply as underdogs.
They have become one of Africa’s leading World Cup representatives.
Ouahbi calls for belief
Ouahbi said Morocco’s progress is part of a wider change in mentality.
The coach believes the Atlas Lions now have enough quality, support and confidence to set the highest target.
"No matter who our opponent is, we have a strong group of players, a great staff, a large fan base, and we have all the elements that make us confident in ourselves."
He continued: "The Moroccan national team has entered a new phase. The players have become confident in their abilities, and the opponents have come to respect our team, so we must have confidence in ourselves and our capabilities. That is why our goal must be to win the World Cup, but achieving that requires respecting all opponents. I am confident in the work we are doing."
It is a bold statement, but it reflects how far Morocco have come.
The Atlas Lions have finished the group stage unbeaten, taken seven points and shown they can recover from setbacks.