Mohamed Ouahbi, the mastermind behind Morocco’s new footballing golden era
With composure and tactical precision, Moroccan coach Mohamed Ouahbi has guided the Atlas Cubs to the final of the U20 World Cup in Chile, marking a historic milestone for Moroccan football. Under his leadership, the young national team has triumphed over several global powerhouses, with their latest victory coming against France in the semifinals. Now, Morocco stands poised for a dream final against Argentina.
At 48 years old, Ouahbi has already earned his place among the greats of modern Moroccan football, alongside Houcine Ammouta, Jamal Sellami, Walid Regragui, Tarek Sektioui, and Nabil Baha. Just six months ago, he led the U20s to the Africa Cup of Nations final in Egypt, narrowly losing to South Africa.
Since taking charge of the team in 2022, replacing Abdellah Idrissi, Ouahbi has built a disciplined and mentally strong side. A graduate of Belgium’s football academies and holder of the UEFA Pro License, he has shaped a generation of young talents now writing one of the most inspiring chapters in Morocco’s sporting history.
Under his guidance, the Atlas Cubs have delivered a stellar campaign in Chile, displaying skill, intensity, and tactical mastery. The semifinal win against France was the culmination of weeks of dedication and unity, proving that ambition and preparation can turn dreams into reality.
Analysts attribute Ouahbi’s success to three pillars: tactical discipline, mental preparation, and fighting spirit. His calm demeanor on the sidelines, sharp game management, and insistence on excellence both on and off the field have transformed the team into true competitors on the world stage.
In an interview with FIFA’s official website, Ouahbi emphasized the mental side of the game:
“Players must stay clear-headed. Our goal is simple: reach the final. To achieve that, we must focus on ourselves, not the opponent, whether it’s Brazil, Spain, Mexico, or France. We have to give everything.”
He added that the word “Morocco” is the team’s greatest source of strength:
“Every player shares one mission: for Morocco, for our people, for our King. You see it in every run, every counterattack. Their determination is unbreakable, fueled by the support of an entire nation.”
For Ouahbi, this unity transcends sport, projecting Morocco’s values of solidarity, respect, and national pride to the world, values that shone brightly during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He also paid tribute to Walid Regragui, saying:
“What Regragui achieved with the senior team in Qatar broke barriers for Moroccan coaches. Once that glass ceiling was shattered, others began to believe they could reach glory too.”
Despite criticism after the loss in the U20 AFCON final, Ouahbi remained steadfast. His perseverance and calm confidence have proven that trusting national talent is not a sentimental gamble but a winning strategy for Moroccan football’s future.
Now, in Chile, Morocco’s U20 team has already made history. All that remains is to finish the journey in style by lifting the U20 World Cup trophy this Sunday, October 19, 2025, and forever etching Morocco’s name into the global football hall of fame.
Editorial team/le7tv (With MAP)
