"We can win the World Cup"—the Morocco coach's words keep coming to mind ahead of the match against France
Long before the tournament began, Morocco head coach Mohammed Ouahbi boldly declared that his team could win the World Cup.
Xtratime Web Desk
Is Morocco really the underdog? On paper, perhaps they are ahead of Thursday's clash against France. But inside the Moroccan camp, that label carries little meaning.
Long before the tournament began, Morocco head coach Mohammed Ouahbi boldly declared that his team could win the World Cup. At the time, many dismissed the statement as overly ambitious. After an impressive group-stage campaign and a commanding Round of 16 performance, however, those words no longer seem so easy to ignore. The confidence may still sound audacious, but it clearly reflects the belief within the squad—and the extent of the dream they are chasing.
Standing in their way is France, one of the tournament favorites. A team boasting stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué, and Bradley Barcola is undoubtedly a formidable challenge. Morocco remain the underdogs, but what makes this contest compelling is their genuine belief that they can overcome even a side of France's caliber. That confidence is backed by reason, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
This Moroccan team is built on an ideal blend of experience and youth. Their disciplined defense, rapid counter-attacking football, and remarkable mental resilience have powered their impressive run. They already demonstrated their quality at the previous World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semifinals. Given that achievement, it would be unfair to dismiss their ambitions of reaching even greater heights this time around.
France, meanwhile, are not only exceptional—they have looked almost unstoppable. Their attacking unit and midfield have been among the strongest in the tournament. Yet, compared to those areas, their defense has shown occasional vulnerabilities. Despite winning convincingly in earlier matches, those defensive concerns have not gone unnoticed.
Another major advantage for France is the absence of significant injury concerns and the remarkable depth of their squad. Their strength extends well beyond the starting eleven, with a bench capable of changing games at any moment.
Defeating France will undoubtedly be a daunting task. Yet Morocco enter the contest convinced they have the quality, character, and belief to accomplish it.
No one can predict the outcome of Thursday night's showdown. But even before kickoff, Morocco's fearless mentality and impressive performances have transformed the match into something more than just a semifinal—it feels like a battle between unwavering belief and overwhelming talent.
A fierce contest awaits, and the football world will be watching with anticipation.
