Moroccan Players: Fans' Joy is Our Reward After World Cup Quarterfinal Berth

Moroccan players celebrated their decisive 3-0 victory against Canada, which secured their place in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. They emphasized that the team's strength lies in its collective spirit and its capacity to adapt and correct errors during halftime. This resilience was crucial in overcoming a challenging first half against a well-organized Canadian side.

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The Moroccan fans' joy is our greatest motivation to continue the journey.

Naïl El Aynaoui noted that while Canada presented difficulties in the initial period, the "Atlas Lions" regrouped effectively at halftime, finding solutions that led to their three goals. He underscored that the team's unity is a long-standing asset, built over years of work, and expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan fans, stating that representing Morocco is the ultimate motivator.

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The team's spirit is our greatest strength, and it's not new; it's the result of years of work.

Redouane Halhal echoed these sentiments, acknowledging Canada's organized play in the first half. He highlighted the importance of maintaining composure and capitalizing on halftime adjustments. Azzedine Ounahi, who scored twice in the match, praised the team's completeness and their ability to find solutions after receiving instructions at the break. He expressed immense pride in scoring his first World Cup goals and, more importantly, in witnessing the joy of the Moroccan people.

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We knew facing Canada wouldn't be easy; the coach stressed that there are no easy matches in the World Cup.

Ounahi also expressed hope that the team's success would inspire young Moroccans to pursue their dreams and believe in achieving top-level success. The players collectively affirmed their ambition to advance as far as possible in the tournament, driven by the pride of their nation and the roar of their supporters.

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We showed again that we are a complete team. We found solutions after the halftime instructions and secured the win.