Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi said his team has earned the world’s respect after eliminating the Netherlands from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on penalties in Monterrey, Mexico, on Monday, adding that the motivation behind the win reached far beyond football.
After a 1-1 draw that went the distance to extra time, Morocco prevailed 3-2 in the shootout to secure a place in the Round of 16, where they will meet co-hosts Canada. Ismael Saibari scored the decisive penalty after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou had denied Crysencio Summerville. Issa Diop’s stoppage-time header had forced the game into extra time following Cody Gakpo’s 72nd-minute opener for the Dutch.
Ouahbi told reporters: “Morocco has gained everybody’s respect now. It’s not because of what we’ve said. We’ve now shown it.”
The coach also highlighted the emotional lift provided by supporters watching from home during the early hours. “They know that behind them there are millions and millions of people,” he said. “We played when it was two in the morning in Morocco and we’re certain that most people stayed awake. That gives you the energy not to give up, to keep going and to believe in yourself.”
Despite the tight nature of the scoreline, Ouahbi insisted Morocco had been the more dominant side, pointing to a 70% share of possession, more attempts, and a stronger expected goals return. “We completely dominated a Netherlands team,” he said. “We wanted to stay calm, play our game and believe that if it went to penalties we had an exceptional goalkeeper. We didn’t turn the match into a chaotic battle. We controlled it.”
Ouahbi said he was struck by the Netherlands’ approach of retreating into a low block, though he read it as a compliment rather than a cause for concern. “I really didn’t expect this kind of low block because the Netherlands like to have the ball and are very strong when they do,” he explained. “I saw this type of play as a form of respect.”
He linked Morocco’s mindset to the confidence generated by their run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals in Qatar, saying it has changed how both players and fans view what is possible. Looking ahead, Ouahbi warned Canada will meet a team that is fully convinced in its own ability.
“Nobody can stop us if we play the football we know how to play,” he said. “But nobody is unbeatable. If we get things wrong, we’ll go home.”
