On the eve of Morocco's Round of 32 clash against the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi struck a calm yet ambitious tone during his pre-match press conference. Confident in his team's ability to rise to the occasion, the Moroccan manager also shared his thoughts on the tournament's expanded 48-team format.
Ouahbi first addressed the new qualification system introduced for this edition of the World Cup. While accepting the current regulations, he believes the format could still be refined in future tournaments.
"We knew the rules before the tournament began, and we accepted them. I simply think the format can continue to evolve in future editions. No competition format is ever perfect," he said, as quoted by Foot Mercato.
After finishing second in their group behind Brazil on goal difference, Morocco will now face the Netherlands with the ambition of extending their impressive World Cup campaign. Despite Dutch coach Ronald Koeman describing Morocco as the favorites, Ouahbi dismissed the importance of such labels.
"Being considered the favorite changes nothing. What matters is what happens on the pitch. Morocco is now a respected team because of the work that has been done over the past several years. We also have great respect for the Netherlands, one of football's traditional powerhouses, and we hope to deliver a great match for the fans," Ouahbi said.
The Moroccan coach expects an intense encounter in which every aspect of the game will be decisive.
"It will be a complete match—tactically, physically, technically and mentally. Since the beginning of the tournament, we have been preparing our team for exactly this kind of challenge."
Asked about the many dual-nationality players in Morocco's squad, Ouahbi dismissed any suggestion that facing the Netherlands would carry extra emotional pressure for them.
"They are fully focused on their mission with Morocco. Their objective is simply to win this match, not to settle any scores with the country where they were born. I see them as calm, confident and completely committed to the national team."
Morocco and the Netherlands will meet late Monday night at Monterrey Stadium, with a place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at stake.
