Fate has handed the Atlas Lions another meeting with Canada, nearly four years after Morocco’s 2-1 victory in the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. That landmark win allowed Morocco to finish top of its group before embarking on its historic run to the semifinals in Qatar.
Speaking to Le360 Sport, Amallah believes this encounter will present a completely different challenge. While acknowledging Canada’s progress since 2022, the 29-year-old Morocco international stressed the importance of Mohamed Ouahbi’s side staying true to its playing identity and drawing on the experience gained in major tournaments to continue its journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Le360 Sport: You faced Canada at the 2022 World Cup. What are your memories of Morocco’s victory?
Selim Amallah: It’s obviously a great memory. It was a very important match for us because it allowed us to finish top of our group and continue making history. We knew Canada would play with a lot of intensity, but we responded from the very beginning. That victory sparked something even bigger for our team and for the entire Moroccan people.
Morocco meets Canada again in the round of 16. In your opinion, has this Canadian team changed a lot since 2022?
Yes, I think they have gained a lot of experience. Many of their players now compete at the highest level, and they have continued to improve as a team. We expect a difficult match because they are very physical and have a lot of pace. At this stage of the competition, there are no easy games.
«Our run in Qatar gave us a lot of confidence, but it also came with even greater responsibilities.»
— Salim Amallah
What will be the keys to the match for the Atlas Lions?
It’s a match that must not be taken lightly. Above all, we have to stay true to our identity. We need to be solid defensively, play together, and make the most of our qualities on the ball. In a knockout match, the small details often make the difference, so we’ll have to stay focused from the first minute until the last.
Since the 2022 World Cup, Morocco seems to have reached another level. How do you assess the team’s progress?
I think the team has grown a lot. Our run in Qatar gave us a lot of confidence, but it also came with even greater responsibilities. Today, other teams look at us differently, and we have to prove ourselves in every match.
The group continues to improve, and new players are bringing a lot of quality. It’s also important to highlight the work being done by the Federation, which has created excellent conditions for the national team to keep moving forward.
Everyone is working toward the same goal, from infrastructure and organization to the development of Moroccan football. That’s what allows the national team to keep reaching new milestones.
«Our strength is the collective.»
— Salim Amallah
Beyond the results, what do you consider to be this Moroccan team’s greatest strength today?
Our strength is the collective. For several years now, we have built a cohesive group where everyone works for the team. It doesn’t matter who is playing—everyone is ready to give their all. This mentality allowed us to go far in 2022, and it’s what continues to make us competitive today.
Selim Amallah. AFP
Do you think the experience gained by several senior players during the 2022 World Cup can make the difference in a knockout match like this one?
Of course. Having lived through that journey helps us manage matches like these much better. We understand the pressure that comes with these occasions, and we know we have to stay calm and patient. That experience is important, but it guarantees nothing. We’ll still have to earn qualification on the pitch with humility and determination.
