Morocco forward Brahim Diaz says the Atlas Lions will approach their World Cup quarter-final against France with confidence, determination and the belief that they can reach the semi-finals.
Morocco face the two-time champions on Thursday with a place in the last four at stake, but Diaz insists the team’s focus is not simply on competing but aiming to win.
Speaking at Morocco’s pre-match press conference, the Real Madrid forward praised his team’s mentality and said their response in the previous round demonstrated the character within the squad.
“We showed an exceptional mentality and proved what we are capable of achieving,” Diaz said.
The 25-year-old highlighted Morocco’s ability to adapt during matches, pointing to their comeback performance as evidence of their strength.
“In the second half, we changed the way we played, came back strongly into the match, and managed to win,” he said. “This is our character and this is our mentality.”
Diaz said Morocco are fully focused on the challenge posed by France and are determined to continue their impressive World Cup journey.
“We want to keep moving forward,” he said.
“We have a very important match, and everyone wants to play it and contribute to achieving the goal.”
The quarter-final will also bring Diaz face-to-face with one of football’s biggest stars, Kylian Mbappe.
The pair are club teammates at Real Madrid, but their friendship will be put aside when Morocco and France meet for a place in the semi-finals.
Diaz acknowledged Mbappe’s quality but insisted both players will be focused on helping their respective teams succeed.
“As for Kylian Mbappe, he is a great player with exceptional qualities,” Diaz said.
“We will meet tomorrow on the pitch, and both sides will go into the match aiming to win,” he said. “For my part, I will give everything I have to help Morocco secure victory.”
The Moroccan forward also paid tribute to national team captain Achraf Hakimi, describing the Paris Saint-Germain defender as a key figure who continues to demonstrate his ability on the biggest stage.
“I only have words of praise for Achraf Hakimi,” Diaz said. “I am very happy for him, because he proves his value and quality as a player every time.”
Diaz explained that his celebration with Hakimi after Morocco’s previous victory was driven by the emotion of the moment and the importance of the result.
“In that moment, I was extremely happy that we got the win, and that is what pushed me to celebrate with him,” he said.
The forward added that he feels proud to share the pitch with Hakimi and the rest of the Moroccan squad as they continue their pursuit of another landmark achievement.
Morocco became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022 and are now attempting to repeat that historic feat.
