Wahbi: The differences with France were decisive... and we will build on the achievements of the World Cup.

The national coach, Mohamed Wahbi, confirmed that the upcoming phase requires benefiting from participation in the 2026 World Cup and building on it, with the aim of forming a strong group capable of competing in future challenges. He emphasized at the same time that he did not change the team's playing style in the match against France in the quarter-finals of the "World Cup."

Wahbi said during the press conference he held today, Tuesday, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maamoura to evaluate the "Atlas Lions" participation in the 2026 World Cup: "We must benefit from this global participation and evaluate it properly in preparation for the near future. I also congratulate the French team on their victory in this match."

He added: "My choices for the World Cup were based on the characteristics of each player and their suitability for the tactical system we adopt. The limited time after Abdel Samad Al Zalzouli's injury did not allow for calling up a new player, so we preferred to stick with the existing group."

He continued: "With all due respect, our players cannot be compared to their counterparts in the French team. They include players of the highest levels, who play matches every three days in the Champions League and the strongest leagues, and they are accustomed to the high pace and great pressure, so it is natural for some differences to appear during the match."

Wahbi explained that the work with the team did not start from scratch, saying: "We started working around March, and despite the limited time, we made sure to follow as many matches as possible to select the appropriate elements. I believe our choices were successful, as confirmed by the friendly matches that preceded the World Cup."

Regarding the controversial statements made by Sofyan Amrabat's brother, who spoke about the player's dissatisfaction with some of the technical staff's choices, Wahbi responded: "I understand the feelings of family members after some matches, but these statements do not reflect the player's own position, and our relationship with Sofyan Amrabat is good."