Morocco aims for revenge against France at the 2030 World Cup

Following their 0-2 loss to France in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, coach Mohamed Ouahbi stated that Morocco aims to defeat their rivals at the 2030 tournament.

Morocco entered this year's tournament with ambitions of becoming the first African team to win the World Cup. However, Ouahbi's team could not pull off a surprise against France.

At Gillette Stadium in Boston on 9/7, Morocco was outplayed, managing only 5 shots with one on target and an expected goals (xG) metric of 0,13. France, in contrast, had 21 shots with 8 on target, an xG of 3,1, and scored two goals through Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. Morocco also lost 0-2 to France in the 2022 World Cup semifinals.

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi (in black suit) gives instructions during Morocco's 0-2 loss to France in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, Boston, United States on 9/7/2026. Photo: Reuters

Ouahbi conceded that France was comprehensive and deserved the victory. According to the 49-year-old coach, the opponent's strength came not only from their attacking stars but also from the cohesion in their play.

"They controlled the ball very well and caused us countless difficulties. We must admit this is an excellent team with world-class players, so there is no excuse", he said after the match. "They possess a lot of talent, but what makes the difference is that the players are always ready to run, work hard, and play for the team. Whenever we lost the ball, they counter-attacked very dangerously. They always encouraged each other and have all the qualities to win the World Cup".

Morocco will co-host the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Spain. Ouahbi believes his team will continue to develop to be ready to avenge their loss to France in four years. "Today, France was clearly the stronger team. But we can still improve and become even better, so we can eliminate them in four years", he said.

Morocco defender Noussair Mazraoui (3) tackles France's Kylian Mbappe (10) in a sequence that led to a penalty in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, near Boston, United States on 9/7. Photo: AP

Ouahbi previously led Morocco to victory in the U20 World Cup in 2025 and was appointed to coach the national team, replacing Walid Regragui, just three months before the 2026 World Cup began.

The coach, born in 1976, believes Morocco possesses a talented young squad capable of conquering major titles. He emphasized that Morocco should not be content with their semifinal appearance in 2022 or quarterfinal finish in 2026, but must continue to evaluate and improve. "We cannot just say we are happy and proud of what we have achieved. We must move forward, look back at ourselves, and seriously assess everything", Ouahbi stated.

According to the 49-year-old coach, Morocco has a solid foundation with many talented young players, an effective football federation, and strong investment from King Mohammed VI. He added: "We want to win the World Cup. It's a pity that our journey has ended, but the Moroccan people are still proud of the image the team has displayed".

Mbappe scored the opening goal.

Dembele sealed the 2-0 victory.

By Hong Duy (via ESPN)

By VnExpress: https://vnexpress.net/morocco-hen-phuc-han-phap-o-world-cup-2030-5095685.html