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Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has dismissed suggestions that his side has already exceeded expectations at the FIFA World Cup 2026, insisting the Atlas Lions are targeting the title as they prepare for a blockbuster quarter-final clash against France on Thursday (local time).
Morocco face France in a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, where Les Bleus ended the North African nation's historic run. This time, however, Ouahbi believes his team has every reason to dream bigger despite acknowledging France's status as favourites. "We will take stock at the end of the tournament," Ouahbi told reporters, as per Reuters. "I will not say anything now because we can have more. We are not going to listen to people who will say 'what you have done up to now is wonderful'." "France are favourites but we will do everything possible to win tomorrow and qualify for the semi-finals," he added. "I don't like this feeling 'we have done well to get here and all the rest is bonus'. No, the bonus is to win the World Cup. This is how we have come this far and we will go further." Ouahbi stressed that his players must approach the contest without fear against one of the tournament's strongest teams. "It is not a question of assets," he said, according to Reuters. "The Moroccan side is evolving as is France. The key is to play the match without regrets. There are things to improve tomorrow. We have to play at 2,000% and not think what we have done up to now is not bad." France enter the last-eight encounter chasing a third consecutive FIFA World Cup semi-final appearance. Didier Deschamps' side have won all five of their matches so far, topping Group I before defeating Sweden and edging past Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16 thanks to a penalty from captain Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe has scored seven goals in the tournament, second only to Lionel Messi's eight, and headlines a formidable French attack alongside Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola. Young midfielder Desire Doue has also impressed after winning the decisive penalty against Paraguay. The match will also be a landmark occasion for France coach Didier Deschamps, who is set to equal Helmut Schon's record by managing his 25th FIFA World Cup match. Deschamps, who is due to step down after the tournament, is also chasing his 20th World Cup victory as coach. Morocco, meanwhile, have continued their impressive rise since reaching the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago. Ranked seventh in the world, the Atlas Lions finished second in Group C before defeating the Netherlands on penalties in the Round of 32 and overcoming co-hosts Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring twice and substitute Soufiane Rahimi adding a late goal. The Atlas Lions are unbeaten in 10 matches since January's Africa Cup of Nations final but are still searching for their first-ever victory over France, having lost four and drawn two of their previous six meetings. The winners of Thursday's quarter-final will book a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, where either Spain or Belgium await. (ANI)
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