Ouahbi before Canada: 'The most important and most difficult match' — and we fear no one

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi addressed the media in Houston on the eve of their World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against Canada, delivering a confident and focused message ahead of what he described as a crucial test for the Atlas Lions.

'The most important and most difficult match'

Ouahbi made no attempt to downplay the scale of the challenge, calling the Canada match "the most important and most difficult" of Morocco's World Cup campaign — and one of the most significant of his coaching career. He acknowledged that Canada have evolved significantly since the 2022 World Cup, noting they are "much more compact and serene in possession."

'We fear no one'

Asked about comments made by the Canadian coach ahead of the match, Ouahbi responded coolly: "Perhaps the Canadian coach wanted to put us under a little pressure with his statements, but we remained focused on our work." Morocco, he made clear, will take the field without fear.

Memories of 2022

Ouahbi recalled that players who featured in the 2022 World Cup described Canada as their most difficult group-stage opponent — a reminder that the Atlas Lions are under no illusions about what awaits them in Houston.

Chadi Riad fit and available

Morocco supporters can breathe easy: Ouahbi confirmed that Chadi Riad, who took a knock against the Netherlands, is in good condition and available for selection.

A team growing into the tournament

The coach closed his press conference on an upbeat note, highlighting the team's continuous growth throughout the competition and praising the technical staff's role in preparing the squad for each opponent. The message was simple: full focus on Canada, nothing else.