Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi announced that the Atlas Lions will remain fiercely faithful to their identity and style of play when they clash with the France national football team in a highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final on Thursday evening.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference at Boston Stadium, the Moroccan manager reaffirmed his squad’s unwavering determination to extend their historic, impressive run in the tournament. While acknowledging that French manager Didier Deschamps expects an incredibly intense challenge, Ouahbi made it clear that his players are approaching the fixture with a potent mix of peak confidence and high ambition, fully aware of the caliber of their opponents but entirely unfazed by the moment.
The Moroccan tactician emphasized that while they respect France, they are focusing inward on their own execution and tactical principles. He stressed that Morocco has absolutely no intention of abandoning the strategic formula that has underpinned their success since the very start of the tournament, which kicked off with an impressive 1–1 draw against Brazil on June 13. Dismissing any narrative of sporting revenge, Ouahbi stated that the objective remains simple: to continue making history and push as far as possible in the competition. He added that the team’s elite performance reflects the steady, undeniable rise of Moroccan football on the international stage, noting with immense pride that the world now views Morocco as a genuine contender and a major football superpower.
Providing a crucial squad update ahead of the blockbuster matchup, the coach confirmed that his roster is in excellent shape, with the sole exception of Ismaël Saibari, who has been ruled unavailable due to injury. Despite this minor setback, Ouahbi expressed absolute faith in the depth of his squad to rise to the challenge against Les Bleus as the team concluded its final training session in Boston on Wednesday evening.
On the other side of the pitch, France coach Didier Deschamps showed immense respect for the North African side, warning that Morocco’s qualification for the World Cup quarter-finals was no coincidence or stroke of luck. The French manager argued that the Atlas Lions have earned their place in the final eight through sheer quality and elite consistency. Deschamps also pointed out that many players from both squads know each other intimately from domestic club football, noting that France is preparing for an incredibly demanding, exhausting contest against a Moroccan side that defends with ruthless discipline while remaining lethally dangerous on the counterattack.
AK/Sf/lb/abj/APA