Morocco's head coach, Mohamed Wahbi, has stated that the 'Atlas Lions' will face their toughest match in the 2026 World Cup when they meet Canada in the round of 16.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Wahbi said: “I am straightforward when I talk to the players. I told them this is the most important and toughest match. I rarely make mistakes.”
He added: “Tomorrow's match will be challenging. They know it, and so do we. This game is tougher because we will have it tomorrow, and beyond that, I won't make any statements, neither from me nor my team.”
Continued Wahbi: “The pace of the Canadians, their enthusiasm, and their desire to control every detail with and without the ball, they have a genuine identity. They trust their strengths and want to execute them, focusing on facing us, all of which makes our task more difficult.”
Wahbi confirmed the readiness of all players, including Crystal Palace defender Chadi Riad, who suffered a knee injury against the Netherlands. He said: “He took a knock to his knee in the last game, but it's not too serious. He was with us today and we'll assess his physical condition this evening, but I'm confident he will play tomorrow along with all the players who are 100% fit.”
Wahbi also defended Real Madrid’s striker Ibrahim Diaz, who has been slightly off form, stating: “The issue with top players is that we expect more from them, but the important thing is for them to be at their peak physically and technically. It's true he excelled at the Africa Cup of Nations, but we are still in the World Cup.”
He added: “We don't expect Ibrahim to be at his peak with every ball. He is in great shape, one of the best players, and we're expecting more from him. This is what he will show, and he is calm, as am I. You will see it tomorrow, he will score, God willing.”
Wahbi highlighted that “fatigue will not affect his players,” stating: “We improve our recovery training, and persistence, stability, and mental readiness of the players are most important. Otherwise, we won't go far.”