Morocco's Brahim Diaz Aims for More After World Cup Quarterfinal Berth

Moroccan star Brahim Diaz described reaching the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals as a dream come true, following the Atlas Lions' decisive 3-0 victory over Canada in the Round of 16. Diaz, who provided two crucial assists in the match, celebrated the team's achievement and stressed their unwavering focus on the next challenge: a quarterfinal clash against France.

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It's a dream to live this World Cup, to reach the quarterfinals, and to help the team with what I offer.

"It's a dream to live this World Cup, to reach the quarterfinals, and to help the team with what I offer," Diaz told FIFA's official website. He acknowledged the difficulties faced during the game, particularly in the first half, but emphasized the team's character and mental fortitude in overcoming adversity. "The mental factor was very important because the first half was not easy at all. In the end, this reflects the team's personality and mentality. Our ability to overcome difficult situations gives us confidence that we are ready to face any opponent."

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The mental factor was very important because the first half was not easy at all. In the end, this reflects the team's personality and mentality. Our ability to overcome difficult situations gives us confidence that we are ready to face any opponent.

Diaz's performance has been a highlight of Morocco's World Cup campaign. His two assists against Canada, setting up goals for Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi, brought his assist tally to four in five games, making him the second-highest assist provider in the tournament. He shared his happiness at his teammates' celebrations after Rahimi's goal, stating, "My teammates love me and appreciate me a lot. After the third goal, they treated me like a star, and that made me very happy."

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My teammates love me and appreciate me a lot. After the third goal, they treated me like a star, and that made me very happy.

Despite his individual success, Diaz remains focused on the team's collective goals. He referenced Morocco's historic run in the 2022 World Cup, acknowledging the legacy built by previous squads. "We are very happy to be in the quarterfinals, and we will give our best in the rest of the competition," he stated. "We will focus on the next match, there is no point in thinking beyond it. We have achieved a great feat, and we are preparing in the best possible way for what awaits us."

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We are very happy to be in the quarterfinals, and we will give our best in the rest of the competition. We will focus on the next match, there is no point in thinking beyond it. We have achieved a great feat, and we are preparing in the best possible way for what awaits us.