Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi said Sunday that the Atlas Lions are approaching their Round of 32 match against the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with high morale, driven above all by the responsibility of representing the country on the global stage.
Speaking at the pre-match news conference, Ouahbi said Morocco had gained valuable experience during the group stage after adapting to different styles of play, adding that the knockout round requires a fresh assessment of the opponent while preserving the team’s footballing identity.
“We have accumulated important experience throughout the tournament,” Ouahbi said. “The next stage requires a new reading of our opponent and the search for appropriate solutions while maintaining the identity we have shown since the start of the competition.”
The Morocco coach also acknowledged that the late kickoff would make it difficult for many fans back home, particularly children, to watch the match live, saying it gives the players extra motivation to deliver a performance worthy of supporters’ expectations.
Recalling his own memories of following Morocco at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, Ouahbi said he understood the excitement surrounding the national team despite the challenges fans faced at the time.
He added that the greatest source of motivation within the squad is the honor of wearing the Morocco shirt and the responsibility that comes with representing the nation.
“Representing the national team is our biggest motivation,” Ouahbi said. “That feeling gives the players even greater determination to overcome every challenge and produce a performance that lives up to the expectations of the Moroccan people.”
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