FIFA WC 2026: 'We believe in our game plan and identity,' says Ouahbi after Morocco reach round of 16
Monterrey, June 30
Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi has praised his team's self-belief after recovering from a goal down to beat the Netherlands on penalties and reach the World Cup last 16.
The result at Monterrey Stadium set up a round-of-16 meeting with co-host Canada on July 4 in Houston.
"We believe in ourselves, in our game plan and in our identity. What's important to me is that the players know what to do, irrespective of the scenario," Ouahbi told a post-match news conference as quoted by Xinhua.
He added that the African team had gained enormous confidence by reaching the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
"The World Cup in Qatar changed the mentality of the Morocco team. In recent years, Moroccan players have come to believe in themselves, and the fans have too. They are demanding, but they know how far we can go," he said.
Despite his team's growing self-assurance, Ouahbi adopted a cautious tone when asked about Morocco's next match against hosts Canada.
"People think it's a walk in the park, but that's not the case. Canada will be difficult. We need to rest and prepare. We are unstoppable if we play the football we know we're capable of playing. But if we get things wrong, we'll be going home. We have to use all the tools at our disposal to go as far as we can," he said.
Ouahbi also praised the support of Mexico's fans and promised that Morocco would reciprocate at the 2030 World Cup, to be co-hosted by the African nation.
"Hopefully, at the next World Cup, we'll make Mexican fans feel at home too. I'm sure they'll have a stadium cheering just for them."
Speaking of the match, Cody Gakpo had given the Netherlands the lead in the round-of-32 encounter with a 72nd-minute strike before Issa Diop's 91st-minute equalizer forced the match into extra time.
After having the better chances in a goalless extra half-hour, Morocco trailed 1-0 in the shootout before Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville all missed for the Netherlands.
Soufiane Rahimi and Chemsdine Talbi converted their efforts, and Ismael Saibari sent Bart Verbruggen the wrong way with his side's fifth attempt to send his team into the next round.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The penalty shootout was nerve-wracking! Three misses by Netherlands—that's rare. Morocco's defensive discipline impressed me, just like in 2022. But I wonder if they can handle Canada's speed and home crowd. Still, as a football fan in India, I love seeing diversity in the World Cup. More power to African teams!
Respect to Morocco for showing great character. But honestly, I'm a bit tired of the "underdog" narrative. They're a genuinely good team with players across Europe's top leagues. Their 2022 semifinal run wasn't a fluke. I wish Indian football could learn from their infrastructure and player development systems. That's the real lesson here.
As a football fan from the US, I'm loving this tournament. Morocco-Canada will be a great test. Canada have home advantage but lack knockout experience. Ouahbi's cautious approach is smart—he's not underestimating them. The 2030 World Cup in Morocco will be huge for Africa. Hope to see India there someday too!
That penalty shootout was absolute cinema! 😍 Three misses by Netherlands is unheard of. Morocco's mentality is something else. I love how Ouahbi acknowledges they need to rest and prepare—no arrogance. As someone from India where football is growing, this kind of professionalism is inspiring. Go Morocco! 🌟
Good for Morocco but let's be real—Netherlands choked badly. Kluivert, Timber, Summerville all missing? That's inexc
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