FIFA World Cup 2022 semifinalists Morocco are capable of going all the way this time and winning the tournament, according to their head coach, Mohamed Ouahbi.

The Atlas Lions were in fine form in the previous edition hosted by Qatar four years ago, when they went all the way to the last four.

This time in North America, they have made it past the group stage and into the Round of 32. They will meet the Netherlands on Monday, 29 June. The fact that the Europeans are one of the favourites does not faze Ouahbi.

After all, Morocco are ranked sixth in the world, while the Netherlands are seventh.

“Regardless of who we face, we have a strong squad, an excellent staff and great supporters. We have everything we need to believe in ourselves,” said Ouahbi, who guided Morocco’s U20 team to the junior World Cup triumph last year, before taking over the senior team.

“Morocco have entered a new stage. The players now believe in their ability, and opponents respect Morocco. For that reason, our objective must be to win the World Cup,” he said.

Ouahbi concluded, “Winning the World Cup requires us to respect every team we face. I trust the work we are doing.”

Thus far, Morocco, South Africa and the Ivory Coast are the African teams that have made it to the knockout phase of the current edition.