‘We will not let this defeat break us’: Ouahbi makes squad depth priority after World Cup exit

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi said the Atlas Lions need greater squad depth to compete consistently for major titles after their World Cup run ended with a 2-0 quarter-final defeat by France on Thursday.

Ouahbi said Morocco must develop more players capable of replacing injured or unavailable starters without a significant drop in quality, identifying the bench as a key area for improvement after a demanding tournament run.

“We need more options on the bench at the required level, especially to replace injured players or those who are not fully ready,” he said after the match.

Morocco struggled through much of the first half against a dominant France side but remained level after Yassine Bounou saved Kylian Mbappé’s penalty. Ouahbi said his team had been searching for a “second wind” before improving after the break.

“We faced a very, very good opponent,” he said. “In the second half, with the same players, we were better. We defended better and were calmer with the ball.”

France eventually broke through in the 60th minute before adding a second goal six minutes later, ending Morocco’s bid to reach a second consecutive World Cup semi-final.

Ouahbi acknowledged disappointment but said the defeat would not alter the longer-term project around a relatively young Moroccan squad.

“We will not let this defeat break us,” he said, adding that Morocco must continue working on its fundamentals while expanding the pool of players capable of performing at the highest level.

Asked about the team’s wider resonance beyond Morocco, Ouahbi said the players understood they represented millions of Moroccans as well as supporters across Africa, the Arab world and diaspora communities.

“Many people around the world see themselves in this team,” he said.

Ouahbi said Morocco’s objective remained to build a side capable not only of making deep tournament runs but of winning titles.

“The future will be very beautiful if we continue like this,” he said. “We will keep working for the future.”