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The Moroccan coach is proud of his players… and has a message for the fans
Morocco national team coach Mohamed Webe has attributed the Atlas Lions’ victory over the Netherlands and their passage to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup to patience and self-belief, stressing that qualification was deserved.
The Moroccan team qualified for the eighth finals of the 2026 World Cup today, early Tuesday morning, after beating the Netherlands (3-2) on penalties after a draw in regular and extra time (1-1) in the 32nd round of the tournament at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico.
Holland took the lead first in the 72nd minute through Liverpool star Cody Jacobo. But Morocco refused to give in and Issa Diop equalized in the 90+1 minute.pushing the match into two extra periods, then penalty kicks that put the Atlas Lions on the smile.
“This was purely a tactical game. The opponent respected us a lot and chose to play with five defenders at the back because he knows how we play and how we control the ball,” said Webb.
He added: “We completely controlled the match, had a high percentage of possession and took more shots, so I consider the victory and qualification fully deserved.”
He continued. “Unfortunately we conceded a goal from a counterattack in our possession, but we had patience and belief in ourselves until we managed to come back again.”
He continued his statements. “We have to accept the victory like this, every match has its own scenario and we are now entering the qualifying games.”
The Moroccan coach sent a message to the fans of his country’s national team, saying: “All over the world, the passion of Moroccans energizes and sustains us.
He concluded. “Our adventure continues and we don’t want it to stop. I am proud of the performance of the players and we dedicate this victory to the king and the people.”
The Moroccan team is preparing to face Canada in the quarterfinals of the World Cup next Saturday night.
