Atlas Cubs challenge the World Cup giants.

Thiago Lima Pereira, the coach of the Moroccan national team for under 17, confirmed that the "Atlas Cubs" will enter the upcoming World Cup in Qatar with a competitive mindset, without seeking easy matches, following the draw for the tournament that placed Morocco in Group H alongside Spain, China, and Fiji.

Thiago Lima Pereira stated in his remarks after the draw: "When we go to a tournament like the World Cup, we must be ready to face all teams. We do not expect an easy tournament or easy matches, and we will try to face every team with the highest possible quality."

The coach of the national under 17 team added: "We know that there is a team considered an extraordinary favorite in the group, which is Spain, but we do not view the other competitors as weaker than us. We will approach all matches in the same way, respecting all opponents and striving for qualification."

He continued: "The first step for us is to qualify for the next round, but we will also try to top the group. This is our mentality, and we want to deliver a great tournament, so we will take it match by match and try to win all encounters."

The Moroccan under 17 team secured its qualification for the World Cup in Qatar after reaching the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco in 2026.

The under 17 World Cup will take place in Qatar from November 19 to December 13, with the participation of 48 teams from various continents.