Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi admitted on Tuesday that the Atlas Lions lacked the "maturity" and "personality" needed in their 2-0 quarter-final defeat to France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying he had expected his side to go much further in the tournament while taking full responsibility for the elimination.
Speaking at a press conference at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora, near Salé, Ouahbi said Morocco's World Cup campaign had produced many positive signs despite the quarter-final exit, stressing that the overall performance should be viewed as encouraging.
The coach said the national team's long-term project had always been built around establishing a clear playing identity based on initiative, attacking football and a style that reflects the character of Moroccan football.
Ouahbi argued that Morocco managed to impose its style of play in most of its World Cup matches, adding that the team's performances in five of its six games were enough to make Moroccan supporters proud and demonstrated the progress made by the Atlas Lions on the international stage.
Reflecting on the defeat to France, Ouahbi insisted that Morocco did not abandon the tactical approach it had successfully employed against other top opponents, including Brazil and the Netherlands. The objective, he said, was to continue playing on the front foot and dictate the tempo of the match.
However, he acknowledged that his players failed to execute that game plan for significant periods against France, allowing the 2022 runners-up to capitalize on Morocco's shortcomings and secure their place in the semi-finals.
Ouahbi attributed the defeat primarily to technical and tactical factors, rejecting suggestions that his players approached the match with fear or hesitation.
Instead, he said Morocco lacked the personality at key moments to play out from the back and impose its usual style, describing those shortcomings as decisive in the outcome of the match.
The coach accepted full responsibility for the quarter-final defeat, saying that as head coach he bears ultimate accountability for the result while praising his players for their commitment and performances throughout the tournament.
Ouahbi added that a comprehensive review of Morocco's World Cup campaign will be conducted in the coming days to assess every aspect of the team's performance before preparations begin for upcoming international competitions.
Despite the disappointment of falling short against France, the coach maintained that Morocco's run to the last eight confirmed the national team's continued progress and provided a solid foundation on which to build for future tournaments.
