Wahbi: Morocco is committed to its usual identity.

The national coach, Mohamed Wahbi, confirmed that the Moroccan national team will face France this evening, Thursday, in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, holding on to its identity and style of play, and setting its goal to continue the journey and reach the furthest point possible in the tournament.

Wahbi explained during the press conference held on the eve of the match that the national players enter the encounter with great confidence, while being aware of the strength of the French team, saying: “We respect the French team, but we are fully focused on ourselves and our style of play,” affirming that the “Atlas Lions” will not abandon the tactical principles that have brought them success since the start of the competition.

The national coach emphasized that the Moroccan team is not approaching the match with a sense of “sporting revenge,” but rather with the aim of continuing to write history, adding: “Regardless of the identity of the opponent, our goal remains to go as far as possible in this competition.”

Wahbi considered that what Moroccan football has achieved in recent years reflects the significant development it is experiencing on the international stage, confirming that Morocco has become today a “real competitor and a global football power,” expressing his group’s desire to continue this path and compete for the title.

He also highlighted that World Cup matches are not only decided by technical and physical aspects, but also require great mental readiness and the ability to control emotions during pressure periods, stressing the importance of maintaining cohesion and belief in collective abilities throughout the match.

Regarding the players' readiness, Wahbi clarified that all players are available for the match except for Ismail Sabiri, who will be absent due to injury, expressing his complete confidence in the group’s ability to overcome this absence and rise to the challenge.

The national team will face its French counterpart this evening, Thursday, at the Boston stadium, seeking to secure a spot in the semi-finals and continue its historic journey in the 2026 World Cup.