"We're not afraid" Morocco Manager Ouahbi Sends Stern Warning to Brazil

Morocco's remarkable rise over the past four years has transformed expectations both inside and outside the country, and head coach Mohamed Ouahbi believes it is time for the Atlas Lions to stop being viewed as underdogs on the world stage.

Speaking ahead of Morocco's opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Brazil at New York New Jersey Stadium, Ouahbi insisted his players are approaching the tournament with ambition rather than caution as they prepare to face one of football's most decorated nations.

Morocco captured global attention at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals. Along the way, they defeated Spain and Portugal before eventually falling to France in the last four.

That historic campaign changed perceptions of Moroccan football, and Ouahbi believes the national team now carries a different status entering major tournaments.

"Brazil are not afraid - we're not afraid either," Ouahbi told reporters in Morocco's pre-match press conference.

"We have entered a new dimension, we're respected much more now. We need to take ownership of this and be in it for the duration."

The Morocco coach went even further when discussing his team's ambitions for the competition.

"For now, when Morocco enters a competition, it needs to go for the trophy."

Those comments underline the growing confidence surrounding a national side that has continued to build on its success in Qatar.

Morocco arrive at the World Cup as African champions and one of the highest-ranked teams in international football, while preparations are already underway for the country's role as co-host of the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.

Ouahbi's own appointment remains relatively recent. The former Morocco Under-20 and Under-23 coach took charge of the senior side just three months ago and has been tasked with maintaining the momentum established by his predecessor.

His preparations have not gone entirely smoothly. Morocco suffered significant setbacks with injuries to key players Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli, both of whom were ruled out before the tournament began.

However, the coach confirmed that the remainder of the squad is available for selection against Brazil.

"We're not going to change our principles too much," he said.

"We don't need to fear Brazil now. We've got our principles, our values; we know who we are playing for."

The clash between Morocco and Brazil has emerged as one of the most anticipated fixtures of the group stage, pitting Africa's leading side against the five-time world champions.

While Brazil remain among the favourites to lift the trophy despite a turbulent qualification campaign, Ouahbi dismissed suggestions that the South Americans should be considered overwhelming favourites.

"Some people say it's not the Brazil of before," he said.

"It's a prestigious match. It's an honourable thing to start our journey with this match."

Morocco can also draw confidence from recent history. The Atlas Lions defeated Brazil 2-1 in a friendly in 2023, demonstrating their ability to compete with the world's traditional heavyweights.

Captain Achraf Hakimi is expected to lead the team after recovering from a thigh injury sustained in April. The Paris Saint-Germain defender remains one of the key figures in Morocco's ambitions and echoed his coach's belief that little separates the two sides.

"We know the quality of both teams. It's a very well-balanced game," Hakimi said.

"There is no favourite team."

As Morocco prepare to begin another World Cup journey, the message from their camp is unmistakable. They are no longer just participants. Having earned respect through their achievements, they now arrive expecting to compete with the very best.