Ouahbi Hails Mohammed VI Football Academy as Ounahi Brace Sends Morocco Into World Cup Quarter-finals

By Angu Lesley

Football writer kick442.com – Cameroon

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has hailed the Mohammed VI Football Academy as the cornerstone of the country’s football success after academy graduate Azzedine Ounahi inspired the Atlas Lions to a 3-0 victory over Canada and a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ounahi, a product of the Mohammed VI Football Academy, scored twice in the second half before substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a late third in Houston, delivering another statement performance from one of the academy’s graduates on football’s biggest stage.

Speaking about Morocco’s player development model, Ouahbi paid tribute to the academy that has produced many of the country’s current internationals.

Azzedine Ounahi is a pure product of the Mohammed VI Academy.”

The Morocco coach, who has worked closely with several academy graduates during his time in the national youth setup, believes the institution has become the driving force behind the country’s rise in world football.

I am well placed to talk about it because I coached many of these players. We won the U-20 World Cup with several academy graduates. We are very proud of the pure products of this academy.”

Those words were perfectly illustrated against Canada.

After a cagey first half, Ouahbi’s tactical adjustments unlocked the Canadian defence, with Ounahi responding by scoring twice to put Morocco in complete control before Rahimi completed the scoring in stoppage time.

For Ouahbi, Ounahi’s display was further proof that Morocco’s investment in elite player development is paying dividends.

Today, Azzedine Ounahi is one of its finest examples. Before him there were others, and there will undoubtedly be many more.”

The Mohammed VI Football Academy has become a symbol of Morocco’s long-term football vision, producing players who have helped the Atlas Lions establish themselves among the world’s elite. Ounahi’s match-winning display against Canada was the latest reminder of the academy’s growing influence.

Morocco will now turn their attention to a quarter-final clash with France, carrying with them not only the hopes of a nation but also another success story born from the Mohammed VI Football Academy.