FIFA World Cup 2026: Morocco’s Ouahbi backs Diaz to cause ‘organized chaos’ against Canada

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi has backed playmaker Brahim Diaz to take a leading role in Saturday’s World Cup match against Canada in Houston and help his side create organized chaos for their opponents to contend with.

Diaz was a star of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, but has so far failed to find the back of the net at the World Cup.

Ouahbi said Diaz does a lot of work in a game that goes unrecognized, and that he is as important to the team on defense as he is on offense.

“He also helps a lot on defense,” the coach told reporters in Houston on Friday. “We always expect more from great players, but he doesn’t have to be a game-changer every day.

«He is in a good place and is one of our best players. He is relaxed and so am I.»

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Ouahbi said the Real Madrid striker is crucial to his side’s lineup for matches.

«We are trying to create organized chaos through more mobility. Diaz has the freedom to do this. He has played a lot since the Africa Cup of Nations, maybe he is not as fresh as then,» the coach said.

“But he has two assists to his name and hopefully he will score goals too.”

Ouahbi only took over the squad in March but said it was easy to execute his game plan, which relies on the traits shared by most Moroccan players.

«They have technical quality and are very good with the ball. But they also know how to run for long periods of time. We had to find a game plan that suits the type of players we have, and that is why we play so fast,» he added.

Canadian coach Jesse Marsch has said his side are the underdogs in the match, but Ouahbi suggested it would be a tricky affair and if his side were to get off the pace at all it could spell disaster.

“It’s about not being hesitant in our approach and if we’re not good enough, we go home no matter who we play,” he said.

«I am a very honest person and I told the players that this will be the most challenging match at the World Cup so far. I am rarely wrong about that.»

Published on July 4, 2026