Morocco Advances in World Cup with Draw vs Brazil, Win vs Scotland
Morocco drew 1-1 with Brazil and defeated Scotland 1-0 and Haiti 4-2 in World Cup group stage matches. Coach Walid Regragui praised young talent Ayoub Bouaddi and expressed ambition to compete for the title, while players emphasized a match-by-match focus. Scotland’s Angus Gunn praised fans despite elimination. The event highlights Morocco’s strong performance and growing global football presence.
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2026 World Cup: Morocco Maintains Confidence in Mohamed Ouahbi
Morocco's head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who led the team to the U20 World Cup victory months earlier, faced heavy pressure during the 2026 World Cup. Despite a strong group stage performance—tying Brazil on points, defeating the Netherlands on penalties, and beating Canada 3-0—Morocco was eliminated in the quarter-finals by France with a 2-0 loss. The defeat sparked disappointment and criticism, but the Moroccan federation confirmed Ouahbi in his role on July 16, 2026, signaling continued trust in his leadership after building on the semi-final run of 2022.
Morocco Confirms Mohamed Ouahbi as Head Coach Despite World Cup Quarterfinal Exit
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has confirmed that Mohamed Ouahbi will remain as head coach of the Moroccan national team, despite their elimination in the World Cup quarter-finals against France (2-0). Ouahbi took over in March following the departure of Walid Regragui, just weeks before the tournament. Under his leadership, Morocco emerged from a group containing Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, then eliminated the Netherlands on penalties and co-host Canada to reach the quarter-finals. This made Morocco the first African team to play two consecutive World Cup quarter-finals. However, the team's performance drew some criticism from supporters and local media. The FRMF issued a statement on Thursday renewing its confidence in Ouahbi's mission.
Brahim Diaz Breaks Silence After Morocco's 2026 World Cup Elimination
Real Madrid and Morocco national team player Brahim Diaz has broken his silence following Morocco's elimination from the 2026 World Cup in the quarter-finals against France. In a message posted on social media, Diaz expressed sadness over the team's exit but assured fans that the journey is not over. He stated that the team will return stronger, more determined, and with greater hunger to fight for their country. Diaz also thanked the Moroccan people for their unconditional support throughout the tournament, emphasizing that the best is yet to come. The message was delivered a few days after Morocco's 2-0 loss to France ended their World Cup campaign.
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FIFA World Cup 2026: Morocco coach Ouahbi admits his team lacked ideas in loss to France
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi conceded that his team was outclassed by France in a 0-2 World Cup quarterfinal defeat on July 9, 2026, in Boston. Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele ended Morocco's hopes of reaching the semifinals for a second consecutive tournament. Ouahbi admitted his side struggled in the first half, pinned back by France's speed and movement, and lacked ideas in possession and transition. He praised France as one of the most complete teams in the tournament, noting their quality and depth. Despite the disappointment, Ouahbi emphasized that Morocco has a young, talented squad and will continue to grow from the experience.
Morocco Coach Regragui: Handball Occurred Before France's First Goal in Semifinal Loss
Morocco's head coach Walid Regragui stated after his team's 0-2 semifinal loss to France that there was a handball in the buildup to France's opening goal. He described the incident as a '50-50 ball' where some players stopped due to the perceived handball. Regragui acknowledged the controversy but said he was unsure if it should have been penalized. He also praised Kylian Mbappé's individual goal that sealed the win. Despite the disappointment, the coach emphasized the need to continue building a strong foundation and expand the talent pool for future competitions. The match eliminated Morocco from the World Cup, ending their historic run.
2026 World Cup: Achraf Hakimi Criticized After Morocco's Quarterfinal Loss to France
Morocco was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals by France with a 2-0 defeat, failing to avenge their 2022 semifinal loss. Captain Achraf Hakimi faced heavy criticism for his poor performance, losing 15 balls and struggling defensively against Désiré Doué. He was also blamed for a missed penalty incident involving Kylian Mbappé. Moroccan media and fans expressed disappointment not only with his play but also with his behavior after the match, as he was seen smiling and chatting with PSG teammates, appearing unaffected by the elimination. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi admitted the team lacked ideas and freshness. Hakimi received low match ratings (3.5/10 from the outlet, 4.5 from Moroccan media). The article highlights the team's overall failure to perform, with several key players substituted.
Moroccan Press Proud of Team Despite World Cup Quarterfinal Loss to France
Following Morocco's 0-2 quarterfinal defeat to France in the World Cup, the Moroccan press expressed overwhelming pride in the team's historic performance. Newspapers like Le Matin highlighted the 'remarkable journey,' including a round-of-16 victory over the Netherlands, and noted Morocco's establishment among the world's top football nations. 360 Sport and Libération praised the team's progress since the 2022 World Cup, calling it a 'heroic journey.' However, some outlets like Al Massae criticized the team's lack of intensity, calling them a 'ghost team.' Despite the loss, the press looks ahead to the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal, with expectations that the current squad will remain competitive.
Rabiot Highlights French Serenity and Control in World Cup Win Over Morocco
Following France's 2-0 victory over Morocco in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, midfielder Adrien Rabiot expressed the team's confidence and control during the match. Speaking to beIN Sports, Rabiot noted that the French team felt little threat from Morocco, praising their own midfield dominance and defensive solidity. He acknowledged surprise at Morocco's perceived decline in strength compared to three years prior but remained vigilant. Rabiot emphasized the team's determination to continue their run, taking each match seriously. France now awaits the winner of the Spain-Belgium quarter-final. The victory marks France's third consecutive World Cup semi-final, a feat only previously achieved by Germany and Brazil.
Morocco's Coach Looks Ahead to 2030 World Cup After Defeat to France
Following Morocco's defeat to France in the 2026 World Cup, coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed devastation but quickly shifted focus to the future. He highlighted the team's young players, immense talent, and strong federation as foundations for success in the 2030 World Cup. The article, published by Record Portugal on July 10, 2026, captures Ouahbi's post-match comments and his forward-looking perspective despite the loss.
Moroccan Press Divided After Atlas Lions' World Cup Quarterfinal Loss to France
Morocco was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals by France (2-0), sparking mixed reactions in the Moroccan press. While many outlets praised the team's 'honorable' performance and historic run—including a draw with Brazil and a penalty shootout win over the Netherlands—some criticized the team as 'unrecognizable' and a 'ghost team.' Newspapers like Le Matin and 360Sport highlighted Morocco's establishment among world football's elite and looked optimistically toward the 2030 World Cup co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. Alakhbar called the campaign a historic feat despite the bitter exit. The defeat marks one round earlier than Morocco's 2022 semifinal run, also against France.
Ouahbi Honors Deschamps After World Cup Exit
Morocco's national football team coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, expressed his gratitude and pride following his team's World Cup exit against France. In his first World Cup as a head coach, Ouahbi praised his French counterpart, Didier Deschamps, calling him a 'role model' both as a player and a coach. The statement reflects Ouahbi's respect for Deschamps' career and the honor of competing against him on football's biggest stage, despite the loss.
Morocco Coach Ouahbi Praises France's Unprecedented Talent Depth After World Cup Quarter-Final Loss
Following France's 2-0 victory over Morocco in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, Morocco's head coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed admiration for the depth and athleticism of the French squad, stating 'France has never had so much talent, and talent that runs.' Ouahbi noted the Blues' clear determination to win the title, saying 'They want to go all the way, and it shows.' He acknowledged Morocco's struggles in the first half but praised their improved second-half performance. Ouahbi also expressed a desire to develop a larger player pool for Morocco, especially with the 2030 World Cup co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain on the horizon. Despite the disappointment, he remained optimistic about the future, emphasizing continued work and confidence in the team's young talent.
Morocco Coach Ouahbi Admits Team Intended to Do More After World Cup Loss to France
Following Morocco's 2-0 quarterfinal defeat to France in the 2026 World Cup, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi acknowledged that his team had intended to be more effective with the ball. The match, held on July 10, 2026, saw France advance after a dominant performance. French midfielder Adrien Rabiot commented on beIN Sports that Morocco posed little threat when in possession, stating that France had little to fear. Ouahbi's remarks reflect a tactical reflection on the team's inability to capitalize on ball possession against a strong French side.
Moroccan Forward Vows to Continue Hard Work After World Cup Exit
Following Morocco's 0-2 defeat to France in the World Cup quarterfinals, Moroccan forward Taribi (also referred to as Tarleb) spoke in the mixed zone. He acknowledged the team's strong performance in the tournament, expressed gratitude for the journey, and emphasized the need to maintain their fighting spirit. He stated that the team must continue working hard to achieve better results in the next World Cup, which Morocco will host in four years. The interview reflects the team's pride in their historic run and their focus on future success.
Moroccan Defender Zakaria El-Wahdi Vows Comeback at Home World Cup After Quarterfinal Loss
Following Morocco's 0-2 defeat to France in the World Cup quarterfinals on July 10, defender Zakaria El-Wahdi gave an emotional interview in the mixed zone. He thanked God for everything, apologized to Moroccan fans for the loss, and expressed gratitude regardless of the result. El-Wahdi then looked ahead to the next World Cup, which will be hosted by Morocco, stating with conviction: 'The World Cup is coming to Morocco, and if God wills, we will take up this honor.' The interview was reported by Hupu Soccer, a Chinese sports media outlet, and originally sourced from YouTube. The article highlights the player's determination to rebound on home soil in four years.
Bounou: France Was Stronger; Morocco Must Maintain Upward Momentum After World Cup Exit
Following Morocco's 0-2 loss to France in the World Cup quarterfinals, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou spoke to Moroccan media in the mixed zone. He acknowledged that France was the stronger team, calling it a fact, while praising the performance of new players who joined the squad and gave their all. Bounou emphasized the need to look forward, correct mistakes, and continue the upward momentum the national team has maintained in recent years. The match ended Morocco's historic World Cup run, which had seen them become the first African team to reach the semifinals. The article was published by Hupu Soccer, a Chinese sports media outlet, citing a YouTube source.
Deschamps: France's World Cup Semifinal Streak Due to Abundance of Top-Level Players
After France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the World Cup quarterfinals, coach Didier Deschamps attributed the team's third consecutive semifinal appearance to a deep pool of elite players rather than any secret formula. He praised the squad's tactical execution, high pressing, and defensive solidity. Deschamps noted the importance of team discipline, training framework, and collective cohesion, highlighting contributions from young substitutes like Emery. He agreed with Erling Haaland's criticism of the lengthy VAR review for France's penalty, which disrupted Mbappé's rhythm but did not excuse the miss. Deschamps evaluated Morocco as a talented, young team with potential, acknowledging their French youth training background. He emphasized that the national team jersey carries responsibility and that the squad's unity and adaptability are key to sustained success.
Bouaddi: Defeat to France Will Help Us Grow; No Regrets Choosing Morocco
Morocco midfielder Ayub Bouaddi spoke to the media after a 0-2 loss to France in a World Cup match. He acknowledged France's strength and said his team gave 100%, but that football does not always reward effort. Bouaddi emphasized that the match will help Morocco grow and identify areas for improvement in future tournaments. When asked about his decision to represent Morocco over France, he stated he has no regrets, calling it a choice from the heart. He expressed pride in representing Morocco and vowed to give everything for the jersey. Responding to criticism about his performance, Bouaddi noted that matches are unpredictable and that the team must adapt and learn from the experience to come back stronger.
Morocco Coach Walid Regragui Reflects on World Cup Exit, Legacy, and Lessons from Facing Deschamps and Ancelotti
After Morocco's 0-2 defeat to France in the World Cup semifinals, head coach Walid Regragui addressed the press, emphasizing pride in his team's historic run and the importance of a winning mentality. He stated the team gave everything and left a positive image for Moroccan football. Regragui praised the French team's talent and composure, and expressed admiration for coaches Didier Deschamps and Carlo Ancelotti, calling them role models with winning genes. He highlighted the need for objective self-criticism to improve and noted the challenges African teams face at the senior World Cup level due to diverse styles and higher adaptability requirements. Regragui also thanked fans for their support and vowed the team would continue to dream and aim for future titles.
Morocco Coach Regragui: Suspected Handball and Mbappé's Individual Quality Decided Quarterfinal Loss to France
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui addressed the media after a 0-2 defeat to France in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. Regragui expressed disappointment but praised his team's overall tournament performance. He analyzed the match, noting France's effective use of inverted wingers and triangular combinations caused problems in the first half. A controversial moment occurred before France's opening goal, where Regragui claimed some Moroccan players stopped, signaling for a handball, which he called unfortunate. He credited Kylian Mbappé's individual quality for the decisive goal. Regragui admitted Morocco lacked ideas and freshness in possession and that France was more efficient in transitions. He refused to use injuries as an excuse, emphasizing the team's youth and growth. Looking forward, he outlined goals for the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup, expressing confidence in Morocco's talent pool and federation support.