Ouahbi: Canada match is Morocco’s biggest test yet at World Cup

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi said Friday that his side’s Round of 16 clash against Canada will be the Atlas Lions’ toughest match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that the team’s group-stage performances will count for nothing if they fail to deliver on Saturday.

“We have great respect for the Canadian team. We consider them a dangerous side with a lot of quality,” Ouahbi told reporters during his pre-match news conference.

“What will make us win is not what we did in previous matches, but what we do on the pitch tomorrow.”

Ouahbi dismissed comments by Canada’s coach suggesting his team holds a physical advantage over Morocco, saying he was focused solely on preparing his players.

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I respect all opinions, but my focus is only on the work that awaits us,” he said.

The Morocco coach also provided an update on defender Chadi Riad, who suffered a knee knock during the penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands in the Round of 32.

“He picked up a bruise on his knee in the last match. It doesn’t appear to be serious,” Ouahbi said. “He trained with us today, and we’ll assess his condition, but whoever plays will be 100% ready.”

Ouahbi said he has been working to ensure his players remain grounded following their qualification for the knockout stage.

“I told them that Canada is the most important match of this World Cup, and perhaps one of the most important matches of my coaching career. It will also be the most difficult,” he said.

He praised Canada for its development since the 2022 World Cup, describing the team as highly organized with a clear identity.

“I liked their organization, their energy and their clear identity,” Ouahbi said. “They know exactly what to do with and without the ball, even on throw-ins. They are a very well-organized team.”

Despite Morocco playing 120 minutes against the Netherlands before advancing on penalties, Ouahbi downplayed concerns over fatigue.

“In tournaments like this, mental recovery is more important than physical recovery,” he said. “When a player is mentally strong, he can overcome fatigue. Our data show that we run more and at a higher intensity after every match.”

Ouahbi also defended attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz, who has faced criticism despite Morocco’s strong World Cup campaign.

“When you’re talking about one of our best players, it’s natural that everyone expects even more from him,” he said. “But he’s doing important work, and I’m confident he will continue to improve throughout the tournament.”

Discussing his tactical philosophy, Ouahbi said Morocco gives its players considerable freedom on the field.

“We try to create organized chaos through constant movement,” he said. “It suits the characteristics of the Moroccan player, who has great technical quality and the ability to run.”

He credited Morocco’s defensive solidity to the collective effort of the entire squad.

“We defend well because the whole team works together,” Ouahbi said. “We don’t give opponents many chances, and that gives us confidence ahead of the match against Canada.”