Morocco Eyes A Bright Future After 1-1 Brazil Draw, Says Ouahbi

Morocco strengthened hopes of another deep World Cup run with a 1-1 draw against Brazil, as Mohamed Ouahbi suggested the Atlas Lions could even surpass their 2022 semi-final achievement when the tournament returns in 2026.

The Group C opener in New Jersey saw Morocco match the five-time champions in most areas and often outplay them, with Ismael Saibari’s delicate lob giving the North Africans an early lead before Vinicius Junior replied with a solo strike on 32 minutes.

Ouahbi spoke of belief and progress after the match, stressing that the display against Brazil confirmed Morocco’s development since the historic fourth-place finish in Qatar, where the Atlas Lions became the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final.

"For the future of

Moroccan football, we are confident. We drew; we're happy. We would have wanted to win, obviously, but I'm not sad," Ouahbi said. "What I'm really proud of is that we're bold enough to play and ask for the ball under pressure. This is a great quality that we have. I want to go beyond the semi-finals, but it was a good match. One point is good enough and we'll improve. "

Morocco pressed Brazil from the start, becoming only the second team on record, after Portugal in 1966, to attempt five shots against Brazil within the opening 10 minutes of a World Cup match, underlining the aggressive plan Ouahbi used from kick-off.

The Atlas Lions finished with 14 total attempts and an expected goals figure of 1.37, edging Brazil’s 12 shots and 1.26 xG, while Alisson was forced into a crucial double save in stoppage time, blocking efforts from Neil El Aynaoui and Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab.

Morocco’s first-half numbers were especially strong, with 12 attempts before the break compared to a quieter second period, yet the chances created throughout the match still underlined how comfortable the Atlas Lions looked against elite opposition.

Morocco World Cup passing records and tactical control

Possession in advanced areas also favoured Morocco, who completed 157 passes in the final third, far above Brazil’s 100, and two of Morocco’s four best totals for passes in that zone at World Cups have now come against Brazil, including 137 passes against the same opponents in 1998.

Morocco’s overall record high for final-third passes at a World Cup remains 190 against Saudi Arabia in 1994, but the control shown against Brazil indicated a side that is comfortable circulating the ball near the opposition penalty area in major tournaments.

The current unbeaten streak also reflects that control, with Morocco now avoiding defeat in five successive group-stage matches at World Cups, recording two wins and three draws and surpassing the previous best run of four games, achieved between 1970 and 1986.

Morocco World Cup context and Brazil’s response

Brazil, who looked disjointed for long spells, reacted at half-time when Carlo Ancelotti removed Casemiro and Roger Ibanez after a difficult opening period, but the changes did not fully stem Morocco’s rhythm in the attacking third.

"We did what we had planned, but I was facing Carlo Ancelotti, so it was not simple," Ouahbi added. "The substitutes did well. The heat affected the players, and some of them are taking part in their first World Cup. It is not easy. "

Attention now shifts to the next Group C fixtures, with Morocco preparing to meet Scotland on Friday, while Brazil attempt to respond after losing control of the final-third battle and managing fewer progressive passes than the Atlas Lions.

Morocco World Cup group picture and Scotland’s start

Scotland lead Group C after a 1-0 victory over Haiti on Saturday, as John McGinn’s deflected first-half strike earned three points and gave Scotland a winning start in the tournament for the third time, having also opened with victories in 1974 and 1982.

Morocco face Scotland knowing another strong result would reinforce Ouahbi’s belief that the Atlas Lions are ready to build on the 2022 World Cup, with recent form, tactical confidence and an ongoing unbeaten group run all supporting that target.