Morocco Coach Mohamed Ouahbi Eyes Group C Glory Ahead of Brazil at 2026 World Cup

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has set a clear objective heading into the Atlas Lions’ final 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage fixture — finishing above Brazil in Group C. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Ouahbi was unequivocal about his priorities, stating: “My preference is to beat Haiti and finish ahead of Brazil in the group.”

Morocco currently sit on four points after two matches, having drawn 1-1 with Brazil in their opening fixture before claiming a 1-0 victory over Scotland. A win against Haiti on Wednesday would take the North Africans to seven points and position them as genuine contenders for top spot, with the final outcome in Group C also dependent on the result of the Brazil vs Scotland match in Miami.

Haiti, already eliminated from the tournament, represent the Atlas Lions’ final group stage obstacle. Despite the opponent’s standing in the table, Ouahbi urged caution within his squad, warning against complacency and calling for full focus against a Haitian side that will be motivated to end their World Cup campaign on a positive note.

Questions from journalists about potential round-of-32 opponents failed to divert Ouahbi’s attention from the immediate task at hand. Speculation has circulated in the media regarding a possible knockout stage meeting with European heavyweights such as France, the Netherlands, or South American giants Argentina. The Moroccan coach was dismissive of such conjecture, adding: “There is talk we might play next against the Netherlands, but it could also be Japan, but even then France or Argentina, but it is not anything we are taking into consideration.”

Ouahbi also addressed domestic criticism surrounding Morocco’s goal output during the group stage, as well as his tactical decision to operate without a conventional centre forward in the first two matches. The coach defended his approach, explaining that his selection decisions are determined by the tactical demands posed by each specific opponent. He confirmed his intention to field his strongest available lineup against Haiti, with the aim of securing a result that would mark a historic achievement for African football in the group standings.

Morocco’s participation in the 2026 World Cup carries significant weight on the continent, with the Atlas Lions co-hosting the tournament alongside the United States and Canada. The North African side have been among Africa’s strongest representatives in recent years, having reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar — becoming the first African nation to achieve that milestone. A group stage triumph over a five-time world champion Brazil side would further cement their credentials as a genuine force in world football.

Wednesday’s fixture represents an opportunity for Morocco to write another chapter in that story, with Ouahbi and his squad focused entirely on what lies directly ahead rather than the broader bracket picture.