Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi believes his side will return stronger from their FIFA World Cup disappointment, insisting the Atlas Lions are capable of eliminating France in the future after embracing his football philosophy far quicker than he ever imagined.
Speaking after Morocco’s 2-0 quarter final defeat to France, Ouahbi struck an optimistic tone despite seeing his team’s impressive tournament run come to an end, arguing that the experience has accelerated the development of both his players and coaching staff.
“We feel capable,” Ouahbi said.
“Why not, in four years, compete with them and eliminate them?”
It was a bold declaration from a coach who has been in charge of the national team for only a few months but already believes Morocco can challenge the world’s biggest footballing nations on equal terms.
Appointed in March, Ouahbi admitted he never expected his ideas to be embraced so quickly by a squad that was still adapting to a new coaching staff and playing philosophy.
“I was very proud of what we have done since March,” he said.
“We had very clear ideas with the staff about how we wanted this team to play.”
Morocco appointed Ouahbi in March 2026 after ending Regragui’s tenure. FIFA framed the move as a new era launched only three months before the World Cup. Photocredit: Getty Images
The former Belgium youth coach explained that his project extended beyond tactics, with equal emphasis placed on intensity, team spirit and the culture within the dressing room.
“It was not only about what we wanted on the pitch,” he said.
“It was also about the energy, the dynamism and the life of the group.”
Reflecting on the past few months, Ouahbi admitted the speed of the players’ adaptation exceeded even his own expectations.
“I did not think we would go that far,” he said.
“I am not talking about the results. I am talking about the content.”
“I was pleasantly surprised by the speed at which these players joined the project.”
That rapid progress, he believes, provides the strongest reason for optimism despite Morocco’s elimination.
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Although France proved too strong on the night, Ouahbi argued that facing one of world football’s most complete teams offered invaluable lessons that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
“As coaches and as a staff, we learn a lot,” he said.
“We play against extraordinary teams with great tendencies and quality coaches.”
“It makes us even bigger and stronger.”
The Morocco boss suggested that those experiences are essential if African nations are to continue closing the gap on the traditional football powers.
Rather than dwelling on defeat, he wants Morocco to use the tournament as another building block in a long-term project that is still gathering momentum.
Throughout the World Cup, Ouahbi repeatedly stressed that Morocco’s ambition extends beyond memorable runs and historic milestones. His latest message reinforced that belief.
Despite losing to a French side he described as exceptionally talented and disciplined, the coach insisted the gap between the two nations is bridgeable.
“We know that we can compete,” he said.
“What we are going to try to do is work even harder to be able to compete next time.”
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The greatest success of Morocco’s World Cup campaign may not be reaching the quarterfinals, but the conviction it has given his squad that they belong among football’s elite.
