Mohamed Ouahbi dreams of historic World Cup glory as Morocco reach last 32 unbeaten

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has challenged his players to believe they can make history by becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA World Cup after the Atlas Lions advanced to the Round of 32 unbeaten.

The North Africans produced another impressive display on Wednesday, coming from behind twice to defeat Haiti 4-2 and secure second place in Group C behind Brazil on goal difference.

Morocco's reward is a last-32 showdown in Monterrey on Monday, where they could face either the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden.

Having become the first African country to reach the World Cup semi-finals at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, Morocco have continued to raise expectations on the global stage.

Ouahbi, who guided Morocco's Under-20 side to World Cup success last year, believes his team possesses the qualities needed to achieve even greater success.

"Morocco has entered a whole new dimension. The players and the fans believe in their team, and our opponents respect our team," he said of their progress on the international stage.

"We need to believe in this objective, this target (to win the World Cup). We need to go all in, respect our opponents and be 100 per cent committed to this ambition.

"I believe a lot in my work and the work of my staff, and we have all the ingredients to become the best nation."

The Netherlands are Morocco's most likely opponents in the next round.

The Netherlands are currently the most likely opponent for Morocco in the knockout stage. The Dutch lead Japan on goals scored ahead of Thursday's final Group F matches against already-eliminated Tunisia.

However, Ouahbi insisted he has no preference over who his side faces next.

"I have no preferences; we will see tomorrow who we will play against," added Ouahbi.

"We will play that game with the same objective and confidence."

While Morocco celebrated another milestone, Haiti exited the tournament without a point but earned widespread admiration for their performances in their first World Cup appearance since 1974.

Les Grenadiers scored their first World Cup goals in 52 years as an own goal by Yassine Bounou and a superb strike from Wilson Isidor twice put the Caribbean side ahead against Morocco.

Despite the defeat, Haiti coach Sebastien Migne praised his players' fighting spirit and the manner in which they represented their country.

"I am disappointed with the result, but I didn't feel that my players gave up," said Haiti coach Sebastien Migne.

"They embodied the Haitian people who do not give up.

"The team represented Haiti with great distinction."