Morocco national team coach Mohamed Ouahbi held a press conference on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, to analyze the team's performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ouahbi acknowledged that Morocco did not deliver its best performance in the semi-final match against France, which ended in a 2-0 defeat for the Atlas Lions.
Ouahbi took full responsibility for the elimination, stating that tactical decisions and player preparation were not optimal for the crucial match. He emphasized that the team had exceeded expectations by reaching the semi-finals, but the loss highlighted areas needing improvement.
Looking ahead, Ouahbi outlined plans to rebuild the squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal. He stressed the importance of developing young talent and strengthening the domestic league to ensure sustained success.
The semi-final loss to France was Morocco's first defeat in the tournament, following a historic run that included victories over Belgium, Spain, and Portugal. The team's performance was widely praised as a breakthrough for African football.
