Mohamed Ouahbi Admits France Were Better but Backs Morocco to Come Back Stronger

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has acknowledged that France deserved their 2-0 victory in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup but believes the Atlas Lions can use the experience to become an even stronger team.

The North Africans saw their impressive World Cup journey come to an end after second-half goals from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé secured France's place in the semifinals.

Despite the disappointment, Ouahbi praised his players for their commitment and admitted they were beaten by one of the strongest teams in world football.

"France is a really great side. We were playing a country who have been to the last two World Cup finals, and they have rarely had as much talent as they do now," acknowledged Ouahbi, after the last-eight contest was settled by second-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.

"We know we can compete, and what we want to do is work even harder to try to do even better next time."