2026 World Cup - Morocco: Ouahbi defends Brahim Diaz

04.07.26 FT World Cup

Canada

0

:

Morocco

3

Against Canada in the round of 16 of this 2026 World Cup, Brahim Diaz delivered a stellar response.

The Real Madrid player provided two key assists, proving invaluable in the build-up play and ball retention. Diaz reminded everyone of his importance to the team beyond just the numbers.

The Madridista has repaid Mohamed Ouahbi's trust, as the Moroccan coach has never stopped defending him from criticism. "Brahim? If he can keep 'not having great games' as you say and still deliver assists, I'll take it. He helps defensively. We always expect more from top players. I expect my players to be committed, and he is. Yes, he hasn’t contributed like he did at AFCON, but the tournament is long. He’s one of our best players. I’m happy with what he brings, and so is the group. He knows we expect even more from him. Brahim and all the others, if you look, he has a lot of freedom. We're trying to create organized chaos on the pitch. We're playing at the World Cup, not AFCON. The context is different. He’s played a lot in the meantime, so the freshness isn’t the same. There’s nothing to compare." Ouahbi explained ahead of the clash with Canada.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

Related teams and leagues

Canada

Morocco

World Cup