France advanced to the 2026 World Cup semifinals after defeating Morocco 2-0 at Gillette Stadium on July 10, 2026. Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who led his squad to the quarterfinals, publicly stated his preference for Belgium to win their upcoming match against Spain, citing a desire to see the Belgian side advance to the final.
The Path to the Semifinals: France vs. Morocco
France secured their place in the final four following a clinical performance against Morocco in Foxborough. The 2-0 victory ended Morocco’s tournament run, a campaign that saw the team reach the quarterfinals under the leadership of Mohamed Ouahbi. According to reports from Reuters, Ouahbi—a 49-year-old coach who began his career in 1997—noted that while his team was eliminated, the match highlighted the competitive nature of the 2026 tournament.
Did you know? Morocco’s head coach Mohamed Ouahbi is not a former professional footballer. His professional background is rooted in formal education, and his interest in the World Cup dates back to the 1986 tournament.
Tactical Outlook: The Spain vs. Belgium Quarterfinal
France now awaits the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Spain and Belgium. That match is scheduled for the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on July 11, 2026. The outcome of this fixture will determine France’s opponent in the semifinal round.
Ouahbi has expressed a clear preference regarding this matchup. Born in Belgium with Moroccan heritage, Ouahbi stated that his extended family maintains strong ties to both nations. “Belgia ingin melaju hingga final dan memenangkan trofi, dan mereka memiliki semua kualitas yang dibutuhkan,” Ouahbi told Reuters, expressing his hope that Belgium overcomes Spain to set up a semifinal encounter.
The Coaching Philosophy of Mohamed Ouahbi
His focus on formal education and his long-term engagement with the sport since the 1980s have shaped his approach to team management. As noted in his post-match comments, he views the tournament as a progression where teams must "continue to fight" to remain in contention for the trophy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did France defeat to reach the 2026 World Cup semifinals?
France defeated Morocco with a score of 2-0 at Gillette Stadium on July 10, 2026.
When is the Spain vs. Belgium match?
The match between Spain and Belgium is scheduled to take place at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, on July 11, 2026.
What is the background of Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi?
Mohamed Ouahbi is a 49-year-old coach with a background in formal education. He has been involved in coaching since 1997 and is not a former professional football player.
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