Foxborough, USA – Morocco’s national team coach, Mohamed Wahbi, affirmed that his team is entering the 2026 World Cup quarter-final against France with a title-chasing mentality. He emphasized that reaching this stage does not represent the end of their ambitions. He explained that the true reward for the “Atlas Lions” is lifting the World Cup trophy.
The Moroccan national team is preparing to face its French counterpart this Thursday evening, in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Wahbi: The match will not be decided by experience
Wahbi said during the press conference preceding the match: “The match against France will be evenly matched, and it will not be decided by experience alone, but by the performance and effectiveness that each team will offer on the field”.
He added: “We trust in the abilities of our players and their team spirit, and we have prepared for the match calmly and confidently, and we have a clear vision of how we will take on this challenge”.
“The only reward is the trophy”
The Moroccan coach stressed that his team does not view qualifying for the quarterfinals as the end of the road. He said: “I don’t like that some people think that what we have achieved so far is the reward; for us, the only reward is winning the World Cup”.
He continued: “In the 2022 World Cup, I felt regret as a fan after being eliminated by France, but this time we have to give our all so that we don’t leave feeling that we could have done more”.
“No change in the way we work”
Wahbi explained that the coaching staff is approaching the match against France in the same way they have approached all previous matches. He added: “Our working methods haven’t changed, whether against France in the quarterfinals or in a friendly match. We continue to prepare, analyze the opponent, and work with the same seriousness and discipline”.
He noted that fatigue and minor injuries are a natural challenge at this stage of the tournament. He said: “Some players are suffering from fatigue or minor injuries, and we are working with the medical staff to manage these cases carefully. I think all teams, including France, are facing the same circumstances”.
Morocco reached the quarterfinals after defeating Canada 3-0, while France qualified after beating Paraguay 1-0.
