The national coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, appeared, Thursday, calm and confident on the eve of the match between Morocco and Scotland, counting for the second day of group C of the 2026 World Cup, stressing that his team is ready to take on a new challenge after its performance against Brazil.
During the pre-match press conference, scheduled for Friday at Boston Stadium, Ouahbi indicated that each match presents its own difficulties and requires adapted responses on the field.
“Tomorrow is another match. Scotland will pose other problems for us and we must find the appropriate solutions,” he declared, ensuring that all the lines of his team are in place and that the group approaches this deadline with serenity.
Returning to the first match against Brazil, the Moroccan technician considered that it was a confrontation that was both technical and very physical. According to him, the duel against the Scots will be even more direct and committed on an athletic level.
“The physical challenge against Scotland will be played out in particular on the second balls, but the most important thing remains our ability to take control of the match,” he explained.
The national coach also insisted on the need to make the best tactical choices in order to allow his team to fully express its game against an opponent renowned for its commitment and generosity.
Ouahbi, in this sense, stressed that this selection is not limited to a single player.
“It’s a generous team that isn’t limited to Scott McTominay. It has several assets and deserves our full attention,” he said.
Concerning the state of his squad, the coach wanted to be reassuring, indicating that all the players are doing well, both physically and mentally.
“All the players are doing well. Their state of health and their state of mind are excellent,” he assured.
Ouahbi also expressed his conviction that the national team will continue to progress throughout the competition.
“You will see that the team will continue to progress. It’s never easy to play a first World Cup match against Brazil and stand up to them,” he noted.
Asked about the performance of young midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi against the Seleção, the coach indicated that he was in no way surprised by his performance.
“Bouaddi is not a discovery for me. It’s true that given his young age, he was exceptional against Brazil. He’s a boy who knows how to keep his feet on the ground,” he said.
While praising the performance of the young player, Ouahbi was keen to point out that the strength of the team rests above all on the collective.
“All players are important and everyone has a role to play in the success of the group,” he concluded.
Morocco will face Scotland in an important match for the rest of its journey in Group C of the 2026 World Cup.
