Ouahbi Takes Responsibility for France Defeat: ‘Morocco’s Ambition Has Not Ended’

Rabat – Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has taken full responsibility for the Atlas Lions’ World Cup quarterfinal exit, while insisting that one disappointing performance should not define the team’s entire campaign.

Speaking during a press conference at the Mohammed VI Football Complex today, Ouahbi reviewed Morocco’s journey at the 2026 World Cup and discussed the work still required for the national team to progress.

“We wanted to finish the tournament with a performance that reflected our true personality and footballing identity,” Ouahbi said.

“That did not happen, and I take full responsibility as the national team coach.”

‘Our ambition will not stop’

Morocco’s campaign ended with a 2-0 defeat against France in the quarterfinals.

Ouahbi admitted that the Atlas Lions had hoped to advance further and compete for the trophy, but said the defeat had not changed the team’s long-term objectives.

“Our journey in the tournament ended in the quarterfinals, but our ambition has not ended and will not stop,” he said.

“We wanted to go further and compete for the title. The future of Moroccan football will be bright.”

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announced the press conference to allow Ouahbi to present his assessment of Morocco’s participation in the tournament.

The Moroccan coach warned against evaluating the entire tournament solely through the defeat against France.

“We must not reduce everything to one match,” Ouahbi said.

“We have to evaluate the complete journey and the significant work that was accomplished because football is built through continuous development.”

Morocco collected seven points during the group stage before eliminating the Netherlands on penalties and defeating Canada 3-0.

The Atlas Lions were the only African and Arab team to reach the quarterfinals, finishing among the tournament’s final eight teams.

Ouahbi had also said immediately after the France defeat that Morocco needed to examine its performance critically while continuing to build on the progress made during the competition.

‘We have a clear identity’

Ouahbi said one of the main achievements of the tournament was the development of a recognizable playing style.

“We have a national team with a clear identity,” he said.

“It plays proactive and attacking football and imposes its personality on its opponents. That is what we have worked to establish.”

The coach maintained that Morocco’s approach should be assessed across the full tournament rather than through the quarterfinal alone.

Before the defeat, Morocco had displayed its attacking quality by scoring three goals against Canada and four against Haiti, while also holding Brazil to a draw during the group stage.

Ouahbi thanks King Mohammed VI and Moroccan supporters

Ouahbi also expressed his gratitude to King Mohammed VI for his support and vision for the development of Moroccan football.

“I thank His Majesty King Mohammed VI for his support and vision,” he said.

“I also thank the federation, the technical staff, the players and their families, as well as the Moroccan supporters who stood behind us throughout the tournament.”

The coach had previously credited the King’s long-term vision and Morocco’s investment in football development for the national team’s continued progress at international level.

Despite falling one round short of Morocco’s historic semifinal appearance in 2022, Ouahbi believes the foundations are in place for the Atlas Lions to continue competing with the world’s leading national teams.