Head coach of Morocco Mohamed Ouahbi has urged his players to believe they can win the 2026 FIFA World Cup after securing their place in the round of 32.

The Atlas Lions defeated Haiti 4-2 in their final Group C match, completing the group stage unbeaten with seven points behind Brazil.

Morocco reached the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, becoming the first African and Arab country to reach the last four of the tournament.

Ouahbi believes that achievement changed how Morocco’s players view themselves and how other national teams view the Atlas Lions.

“Morocco has entered a new stage,” he said. “The players now believe in their ability, and opponents respect Morocco.”

He added that the team should not limit its ambitions after reaching the knockout stage.

“For that reason, our objective must be to win the World Cup,” Ouahbi said.