Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi said on Friday in Houston that the Round of 16 clash against Canada will be “the most important and the most difficult match” of the Atlas Lions’ campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“We are ready. Perhaps the Canadian coach wanted to put a little pressure on us with his comments during the pre-match press conference, but we have remained focused on our work,” Ouahbi said during his own pre-match media briefing.
He described the encounter as “one of the most important matches” of his coaching career, stressing that his players will do everything possible to secure qualification for the quarter-finals.
Regarding the squad’s condition, the Morocco coach reassured reporters about the fitness of Chadi Riad, who picked up a knock during the match against the Netherlands.
“He is doing well and trained normally with the group,” Ouahbi said.
He added, however, that the players selected to start against Canada would be “those who deserve it and who are best suited to deliver the strongest performance on the pitch.”
Ouahbi also expressed confidence in his team’s physical condition.
“We are growing stronger as the tournament progresses. We have energy, and we will be ready for this challenge,” he said.
The national coach also praised the work of his technical staff.
“We have an excellent coaching staff. We exchange ideas constantly and make the best decisions. Their role is crucial to the team’s performances,” he noted.
Emphasizing the need to remain fully focused on the upcoming fixture, Ouahbi said, “This is the only match that matters. Canada are a very good team, and it will be a very difficult game.”
Comparing the current Canadian side with the one Morocco faced at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ouahbi said the team is now “much more compact and much calmer in building from the back.”
He added that, according to several Moroccan players who took part in the 2022 tournament, the match against Canada had already been “the toughest game” of the group stage.
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