Morocco Coach Ouahbi Acknowledges France's Superiority

Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi conceded that France deserved their place in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals after a superior 2-0 performance in their quarter-final match.

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I told the players to continue to feel proud because we gave everything on the field. But at the same time, we need to assess performance objectively and find areas to improve our weaknesses.

Despite the defeat ending Morocco's historic World Cup journey, Ouahbi remained proud of his players' commitment and fighting spirit throughout the tournament. He stated that the Atlas Lions had no grounds to dispute the result, as France dominated possession and created more dangerous chances. "I told the players to continue to feel proud because we gave everything on the field. But at the same time, we need to assess performance objectively and find areas to improve our weaknesses," Ouahbi said.

Morocco faced a difficult challenge from the outset, with France controlling the game's tempo through high possession, particularly in midfield and on the wings, which hindered Morocco's ability to build effective attacks. Ouahbi noted that his team struggled with ball possession, lacked creativity, and sharpness to threaten France's defense. "The first half was very difficult. France was very good when in possession, especially in the wing and central areas. When we got the ball, the transition was not very good and we had to work harder," he explained.

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The first half was very difficult. France was very good when in possession, especially in the wing and central areas. When we got the ball, the transition was not very good and we had to work harder.

"They have quality players and created more scoring opportunities. We lacked ideas and freshness to pose a threat when in possession. We have to accept that they were better today," Ouahbi added. Despite the disappointment of elimination, Ouahbi considered reaching the quarter-finals a proud achievement for Morocco, solidifying their status as a rising force in world football. The loss echoed Morocco's 2022 World Cup exit, where they were also eliminated by France in the semi-finals, marking Les Bleus as their biggest obstacle on the global stage.

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They have quality players and created more scoring opportunities. We lacked ideas and freshness to pose a threat when in possession. We have to accept that they were better today.