Rise of Moroccan football - "Nobody can stop us"

Morocco are picking up right where they left off in Qatar. At the previous World Cup, the Atlas Lions tore apart favorites Spain and Portugal, and now it was the Netherlands who felt the quality of the African side firsthand. This victory means far more than just a place in the semifinals for the 2022 World Cup semifinalists—it proves they were no "one-tournament wonder." Instead, it shows that a genuine football tradition is taking shape in North Africa.

Morocco edge Netherlands in shootout to seal last-16 berth

That was precisely the point Morocco head coach Mohammed Ouahbi emphasized after the victory over the Dutch, highlighting how confidence has transformed his team:

"The World Cup in Qatar completely changed the mentality of the Moroccan national team, and I'm probably the best person to speak about it. Players in Morocco now believe in themselves, and our fans believe in us as well. That's absolutely crucial. It's true that they're demanding, but that's only because they know what we're capable of achieving."

The Moroccan Football Federation's long-term vision is evident in Ouahbi's rapid rise. Last year, he guided Morocco to the FIFA U-20 World Cup title before being promoted to the senior national team, entrusted with an ambitious mission that he has fully embraced—to reach the summit of world football.

"What we have to drill into our minds is that nobody can stop us. If we play the way we know we can, we're unstoppable. On the other hand, nobody is unbeatable, and I keep reminding my players of that," said the confident Moroccan manager.

Morocco's next opponents are Canada, who may appear inferior on paper, but the Atlas Lions have no intention of underestimating one of the tournament's host nations.

"We're taking it one step at a time, one match at a time. People on the outside think it'll be easy for us and that we're in for a walk in the park, but that's simply not the case. Canada are a serious team capable of causing us plenty of problems," the Morocco boss concluded.

It's clear that Morocco's approach at this World Cup has evolved, thanks both to the growing quality within the squad and to the realization that they can compete with the world's biggest footballing powers.

They first demonstrated that against Brazil in their opening group-stage match, when the Selecao failed to register their first shot on target until the 32nd minute. The Atlas Lions have carried that same formula into the knockout rounds, as illustrated by the remarkable statistic that Ouahbi's side enjoyed 70 percent possession against the Netherlands—a figure that would have seemed almost unimaginable just a few years ago.