Morocco coach says team has earned right to dream of 2026 World Cup win
Morocco’s head coach Mohamed Ouahbi says his team has earned the right to dream of winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 4-2 comeback win over Haiti in their final Group C match in Atlanta. Trailing twice, Morocco rallied with goals from Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari in the first half, then second-half substitutes Soufiane Rahimi and Yassine Jassim secured the victory, with Jassim’s goal confirmed after a VAR review. The win left Morocco level on points with group winners Brazil but second on goal difference, earning seven points and a Round of 32 clash with the Netherlands.
Ouahbi said the result shows the team’s resilience and ambition, stating "We have the desire, the ambition, and we are ready for everyone. Our responsibility is to prepare well and analyse every possible opponent." He stressed that the objective must be to "win the World Cup", but only through continued respect for every opponent and thorough preparation. The performance extends Morocco’s rise after reaching the semi‑finals in Qatar 2022, showing the Atlas Lions now possess the mentality and depth to be genuine contenders.
For African fans, the result reinforces belief that continental teams can compete at the highest level and inspires support for Morocco’s next match. The team’s next fixture is the Round of 32 against the Netherlands, date to be confirmed as the tournament progresses.