Morocco's CAN Title Confirmation Brings Joy to Coach Mohamed Ouahbi
In an exciting development for Moroccan football, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially awarded the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) title to Morocco, a decision that has been met with enthusiasm by the newly appointed national coach, Mohamed Ouahbi. This crucial announcement comes just under three months before the start of the World Cup, highlighting the growing momentum and optimism surrounding the Moroccan football team. During a press conference held on March 19, 2026, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Ouahbi expressed his satisfaction with the CAF's decision, stating that both the CAF and the Moroccan Football Federation have acted correctly. He emphasized the importance of looking forward and focusing on the upcoming challenges rather than dwelling on past events.
Ouahbi, who recently took over the coaching reins from Walid Regragui, presented his squad for upcoming friendly matches against Ecuador and Paraguay scheduled for late March. His optimism was palpable as he congratulated the Moroccan people and the football federation for the deserved recognition of their achievements. While he acknowledged the positive impact of the CAF's ruling, Ouahbi indicated that his primary goal is to prepare the team effectively for the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. He stated, "My ambition, my objective, is to make the team competitive for the next World Cup, so I will not dwell too much on what has happened in the past. It is crucial to focus on the present and the future."
Looking ahead, Ouahbi is keen to test his players in the upcoming friendly matches, which will provide valuable insights into the team's dynamics and performance. Notably, the squad includes star players such as Achraf Hakimi from Paris Saint-Germain and Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid, who are expected to play pivotal roles in the team's strategy. The coach reiterated that while the team is coming off a successful CAN campaign, his focus will remain on developing a clear game plan and maintaining a positive trajectory for the future.
With Morocco set to face Brazil in their World Cup opener on June 13, the excitement among fans and players alike continues to build. The anticipation for the tournament is heightened by the recent achievements and the fresh leadership under Coach Ouahbi, who aims to steer the Lions of the Atlas towards even greater successes on the international stage. As the Moroccan team prepares for this significant challenge, all eyes will be on their performance in the upcoming friendlies and their readiness for the prestigious World Cup.
As reported by france24.com.
