Morocco national football team coach Mohamed Ouahbi has stressed the importance of mental endurance as his side prepares to face the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup round of 16. The match is scheduled for July 1, 2026, at 18:00 local time at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar.
Speaking at a press conference on June 29, 2026, Ouahbi said, 'We will need mental endurance against a strong Dutch team. They have quality players and a solid tactical system.' He added that Morocco's preparation has focused on both physical and psychological readiness.
The Atlas Lions advanced to the knockout stage after finishing second in Group F, with one win and two draws. The Netherlands topped Group E with three wins. This is Morocco's second appearance in the World Cup round of 16, having reached the quarterfinals in 2022.
Ouahbi confirmed that key players, including captain Romain SaΓ―ss and midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, are fit and available. He also noted that the team has analyzed Netherlands' recent matches to identify weaknesses.
