Wahbi Before Facing Haiti: Our Goal is to Lead.. And Diaz is an Offensive Addition Wherever He Plays

Mohamed Wahbi, the coach of the Moroccan national team, sent messages of reassurance and confidence ahead of the anticipated match against Haiti in the final round of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. He emphasized that the "Atlas Lions" are fully focused on finishing the first round at the top of the group, while continuing to develop their offensive performance and achieve maximum effectiveness in front of the goal.

During the pre-match press conference, Wahbi emphasized that the Haitian team will not be an easy opponent, explaining that the match will be played with great competitive spirit from both sides, given each team's desire to achieve a positive result.

The Moroccan coach said, "We have great respect for the Haitian team. We have analyzed their performance and identified their strengths. We know they are an organized team with good capabilities, so we will enter the match with full focus to achieve victory and secure the top spot in the group."

Wahbi touched on the criteria he uses in selecting the starting lineup, emphasizing that his decisions are based on the nature of each match and its different scenarios, not just on names.

He explained: "We have a group of players with diverse characteristics, so the selections vary from one match to another depending on the opponent and technical circumstances. We have confidence in all the players, and I always emphasize that the opportunity will come to anyone who continues to work diligently and patiently."

He added that the strong competition within the group provides the technical staff with multiple options, noting that a number of players are demanding more minutes through their daily performances in training, which makes the task of selecting the lineup more complicated. However, he considers this a healthy indicator within the team.

Wahbi resolved the ongoing debate about Brahim Diaz's ideal position, affirming that the player possesses great tactical flexibility that allows him to excel in more than one attacking role.

He said, "We don't concern ourselves too much with Diaz's position, as he is capable of playing as a winger, behind the striker, or in the center. What matters most to us is his contribution within the team system, and he proved his worth when he assisted two goals while playing on the flank."

The national coach confirmed that the team's star will be present in the match against Haiti, given his significant impact on the front line and his ability to make a difference in various offensive situations.

At the offensive level, Wahbi admitted that the team created many opportunities during the last two matches, but the rate of converting them is still below the desired level.

He explained that the technical team focused heavily on this aspect during recent training sessions, adding that the solution is not just to field more attackers, but to build a comprehensive offensive system that ensures the ball reaches critical areas in the best possible way.

He emphasized, "Our attacking intentions have improved, and the players' movements inside the penalty area are of higher quality. I am confident that the number of goals will increase as the matches progress."

Regarding the appointment of Dutch referee Danny Makkelie to officiate the match, Wahbi dismissed any concerns within the Moroccan camp, emphasizing his full confidence in the selections made by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).

He said, "We trust FIFA referees and their experience. The appointed referee has a significant record of international matches, and our focus is entirely on the technical aspect, not on any external factors."

The coach of the "Atlas Lions" also revealed some aspects of his coaching philosophy, noting that his formative period at the Belgian club Anderlecht played a pivotal role in shaping his technical character, particularly regarding defensive organization.

He added that being influenced by the Dutch school helped him develop his offensive vision and understand the principles of pressing and playmaking, emphasizing that the combination of defensive discipline and offensive thinking is the cornerstone of his coaching style.

In conclusion, Wahbi emphasized that the Moroccan national team is not currently concerned with the identity of its potential opponent in the next round, whether it be the Netherlands or any other team.

He explained that the top priority is to win against Haiti and secure the lead in the group, due to its technical and logistical importance for the rest of the tournament.

He said, "Talking about the upcoming roles is premature. Our full focus is on the match against Haiti, and after that, we will think about the next step. What matters to us now is to finish the group stage in the best possible way."