"We've entered new dimension": Morocco coach Ouahbi "not afraid" of Brazil ahead of FIFA WC opener
New Jersey, June 13
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign opener against five-time champions Brazil, Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed that his side has "entered a new dimension" and the team "need to go for the trophy" whenever they enter a major competition.
Just in the previous edition at Qatar, Morocco became the first-ever African nation to enter the semifinal of the FIFA World Cup, downing heavyweights like Spain and Portugal in the round of 16 and quarterfinals. Now, as they are the co-hosts of the 2030 edition of the tournament alongside the teams they beat on their road to the semifinals four years back, Ouahbi feels that his team is "respected much more now" and they are "not afraid" of the five-time champions.
"(Brazil are) not afraid - we're not afraid either," he told reporters as quoted by Reuters. "We have entered a new dimension, we're respected much more now... we need to take ownership of this and be in it for the duration. For now, when Morocco enters a competition, it needs to go for the (trophy)," he added.
Ouahbi took over the team only three months back, and since then, they have lost their starters, Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli, to injury ahead of the tournament. The coach said that the rest of the side is fit for the exciting Group C clash.
Having been the coach for Morocco at the age-group level, Ouahbi said that the team is "not going to change their principles too much".
"We do not need to fear Brazil now. We have got our principles, our values, and we know who we are playing for. Some people say it is not the Brazil of before. It is a prestigious match - it is an honourable thing to start our journey with this match," he signed off.
Morocco is captained by Paris Saint-Germain superstar Achraf Hakimi, who has recovered from the thigh injury sustained back in April and will be heading into the tournament with a psychological advantage, having beaten Brazil in their most recent friendly meeting back in 2023.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Ouahbi is right - when you reach the semis, you have to aim for the trophy. Otherwise, what's the point? India should learn from this mindset! We keep qualifying for Asia Cup and settling for quarterfinals. 😤
Bold words from a coach who's only been in charge three months. But I like the attitude. Morocco has the talent - Hakimi is world-class. Brazil will have to work for it.
"Entered a new dimension" - love that confidence! But let's be real, Brazil is Brazil. They have the history, the flair. Morocco needs to keep their feet on the ground and play smart. One good tournament doesn't make them invincible.
This is the kind of underdog story we all love. Morocco's defense was rock solid in Qatar. If they can repeat that, Brazil might struggle. But losing key players to injury is a big blow. 🤔
Respect to Ouahbi for not being intimidated. But "not afraid" doesn't always translate to wins. Brazil has Neymar, Vinícius Jr., and a deep bench. Morocco's principles are fine, but Brazil's quality usually wins out.
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