Morocco progressed to the World Cup last 16 phase with a 3-2 penalty shootout victory after the sides played out a 1-1 draw. Ismael Saibari converted the winning spot-kick after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a decisive save to deny Crysencio Summerville.
Reflecting on the victory, Ouahbi said Morocco’s display underlined the progress the national team has made on the world stage.
“Morocco has gained everybody’s respect now,” he said. “It’s not because of what we’ve said. We’ve now shown it.”
The 49-year-old also highlighted the motivation his players drew from the millions of supporters back home, despite the match kicking off at 2 a.m. local time in Morocco.
“This team, and all the Moroccan youth teams, are fighting for much, much more than just football or simply winning a match,” Ouahbi said.
“They know that behind them there are millions and millions of people. We played when it was two in the morning in Morocco, and we’re certain that most people stayed awake. That gives you the energy not to give up, to keep going and to believe in yourself.”
Although the contest was settled by penalties, Ouahbi felt there was little doubt which side had controlled proceedings.
“We completely dominated a Netherlands team,” he said.
“We had 70 per cent possession, more shots and more expected goals. We controlled the match.”
“We wanted to stay calm, play our game and believe that if it went to penalties, we had an exceptional goalkeeper. We didn’t turn the match into a chaotic battle. We controlled it.”
Ouahbi admitted he was surprised by the Netherlands’ conservative approach, interpreting their defensive tactics as a sign of the growing respect Morocco now commands.
“I really didn’t expect this kind of low block because the Netherlands like to have the ball and are very strong when they do,” he said. “I saw this type of play as a form of respect.”
The Morocco coach also credited the country’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup for instilling greater belief throughout the national team setup.
“For the past few years, Moroccan players believe in themselves, and the supporters believe in us as well,” he said.
Morocco will now face co-hosts Canada in the last 16 on 4 July at Houston Stadium in Houston, Texas. While expecting another stern test, Ouahbi believes his side is capable of extending its impressive World Cup campaign.
“Nobody can stop us if we play the football, we know how to play,” he said. “But nobody is unbeatable. If we get things wrong, we’ll go home.”
Morocco are through to the last-16 after eliminating Netherlands 3-2 on penalties in Monterrey.
— Lorenz Köhler (@Lorenz_KO) June 30, 2026
The first African team into the next round and will face co-hosts Canada in Houston this weeekend. #FIFAWorlcCup pic.twitter.com/ane6deUsg2