The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has reaffirmed its confidence in national team head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, confirming that he will remain in charge of the Atlas Lions after Morocco’s run to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The decision was announced Thursday following a meeting of the federation’s executive committee chaired by FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa.
The vote of confidence comes days after Morocco’s World Cup campaign ended with a 2-0 quarterfinal defeat to France. Despite the elimination, the federation described the tournament as a “positive and honorable” performance, saying the Atlas Lions had once again demonstrated that they belong among world football’s elite.
By reaching the last eight for the second consecutive World Cup—after becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals in Qatar in 2022—Morocco has reinforced its growing reputation on the international stage.
The federation said the priority now is to build on that progress and continue raising the standard of Moroccan football ahead of future international competitions.
FRMF officials also emphasized that the national team’s recent achievements are the product of a long-term development strategy launched several years ago. They pointed to Morocco’s rise in the FIFA rankings—from 84th in the world to sixth—as well as the performances of the country’s various national teams across recent competitions.
Lekjaa praised the commitment shown by the players throughout the World Cup and defended the squad against criticism that followed the defeat to France.
He also denounced what he described as malicious rumors and false information circulating after the tournament, calling for the national team to be protected from speculation so it can continue working in a stable environment.
Ouahbi, who guided Morocco to another historic World Cup campaign in his first major tournament in charge, is now expected to turn his attention to the Atlas Lions’ next objectives, including qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and preparations for the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.
