Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has pledged that the Atlas Lions will learn from their FIFA World Cup disappointment and return stronger as they continue building towards the 2030 tournament, which the country will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.
Morocco’s impressive 2026 World Cup campaign came to an end on Thursday after a 2-0 quarterfinal defeat to France, ending their hopes of surpassing their historic semifinal run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The defeat also marked another World Cup loss to Les Bleus, who had eliminated Morocco by the same scoreline in the semifinals four years earlier. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé scored the second-half goals that sent France into the last four.
Ouahbi proud despite disappointment
Speaking after the match, Ouahbi acknowledged France’s pedigree but insisted Morocco had once again demonstrated they belong among the world’s elite.
“France are a really great side. We were playing a country who have been to the last two World Cup finals, and they have rarely had as much talent as they do now,” Ouahbi said.
“We know we can compete, and what we want to do is work even harder to try to do even better next time.”
The 48-year-old reiterated that simply reaching the quarterfinals was never the team’s ultimate objective.
“I think it’s important to do everything to try to win, and I think we did try everything,” he added.
“We want to go even further and win the World Cup, so we are disappointed because we have lost, but we have to accept it.”
Focus shifts to the future
Ouahbi was appointed Morocco head coach in March after succeeding Walid Regragui and has quickly overseen another impressive run on the international stage.
Although the Atlas Lions fell short against France, their performances throughout the tournament reinforced Morocco’s status as one of Africa’s leading football nations.
With Morocco set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Ouahbi believes the current squad can continue to develop and challenge for the biggest prize in international football.
The Moroccan coach said the disappointment of this year’s elimination will serve as motivation as the Atlas Lions continue their long-term project ahead of a World Cup that will be played on home soil.
