Morocco Coach Ouahbi Targets World Cup Final After Atlas Lions Hold Brazil 1-1 at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has set his sights firmly on the latter stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating he wants his side to go further than the semi-finals they reached at the 2022 tournament in Qatar — a finish that remains the deepest run by any African nation in World Cup history.

The Atlas Lions opened their 2026 campaign with a 1-1 draw against five-time world champions Brazil at MetLife Stadium on 14 June 2026. Ismael Saibari gave Morocco a deserved lead in the first half, capitalising on a defensive error by the Brazilian backline, before Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior equalised in the 32nd minute to restore parity.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Ouahbi expressed satisfaction with his side’s display against one of the tournament’s most decorated nations. “What I’m really proud of is that we’re bold enough to play and ask for the ball under pressure. This is a great quality that we have,” the Morocco coach told reporters. He added: “I want to go beyond the semi-finals, but it was a good match. One is good enough, and we’ll improve.”

Morocco’s performance was built on a disciplined, high-pressing structure that disrupted Brazil’s attacking rhythm throughout the match. The approach drew widespread attention to the tactical organisation Ouahbi has instilled in the squad, positioning the African side as credible contenders rather than makeweights in a challenging group.

At Qatar 2022, Morocco became the first African and Arab nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final, defeating Spain and Portugal in the knockout rounds before losing to France. That campaign, under then-coach Walid Regragui, fundamentally shifted expectations around African football on the global stage. Ouahbi, who has since taken charge, is now looking to build on that legacy with what he describes as a technically capable generation of players.

The draw means both Morocco and Brazil sit on one point after matchday one, leaving them behind Group C leaders Scotland, who claimed all three points on the opening day. Morocco’s next fixture takes them to Boston on Friday, where they face Scotland in what will be a pivotal group stage encounter. Brazil, meanwhile, will take on Haiti in their second group game.

A victory for Morocco against Scotland could place them in a strong position to advance from the group, with the final group stage match potentially serving as a decider depending on results elsewhere. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the expanded 48-team format increasing the number of group stage matches and raising the ceiling for teams from confederations historically underrepresented in the later rounds.

Morocco’s ability to hold Brazil — a side managed by Carlo Ancelotti, who according to reports expressed concern after the result — underlines the growing competitive depth within African football. Ouahbi’s comments indicate the squad shares his ambition, with the Atlas Lions once again positioning themselves as a side capable of challenging any opponent at this tournament.