Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has declared his squad fearless and fully prepared ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C opener against Brazil in New Jersey.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Ouahbi stressed that respect for the five-time world champions would not translate into timidity on the pitch. The Atlas Lions, he insisted, approach this fixture as equals — not underdogs.

Confidence despite injury setbacks

Morocco will be without Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli, both ruled out through injury. However, Ouahbi moved quickly to reassure supporters that the remainder of the squad is in full health and ready to compete.

"All the players are fit," he said. "Even though it's true that we replaced two of them, everyone else is in good shape — everyone can play, everyone is ready."

Ouahbi acknowledged the personal blow for the two absentees. "We feel sorry for Abde and also for Nayef, because they are very important players who were about to take part in a World Cup," he added. "But we had already found solutions, and the most important thing is to be able to find them."

Principles will not change

The Morocco coach made it clear that facing Brazil would not prompt a dramatic tactical overhaul. The team's core values and style of play, honed across recent matches including a strong showing against Norway, will remain intact.

"We won't change our principles much," Ouahbi explained. "We've shown good things and we'll keep showing them by staying true to who we are. Just because we're playing our first World Cup match, it doesn't mean we'll change everything."

He described the mood within the camp as overwhelmingly positive, pointing to the players' physical condition and the collective belief built over the preparation period. "We are very confident. We trust in the physical condition of the players, in what we have put in place, and in the principles and values we have instilled," he said.

Ouahbi also outlined an ambition to grow throughout the tournament rather than peak early. "The goal is to improve match after match. So I have no complaints," he noted.

Morocco's Group C campaign opens against Brazil, with the Atlas Lions aiming to prove once again that African football belongs at the highest table.