France and Morocco Face Off Again in 2026 World Cup Quarterfinals

The 2026 World Cup quarterfinals kick off Thursday with a rematch of the 2022 semifinal between France and Morocco. This showdown will take place in Foxborough, Massachusetts, starting at 4 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast on Fox.

Last Meeting and Current Stakes

Four years ago, France defeated Morocco 2-0 to reach the final against Argentina. This time, Les Bleus have cruised through the tournament, winning every group stage match as well as their knockout games. They aim for a third consecutive semifinal appearance and to join a select few teams that have reached three straight World Cup semifinals.

Key Players to Watch

Kylian Mbappé shines again, sharing second place in the Golden Boot race with seven goals. Meanwhile, Michael Olise has been pivotal, registering nine passes that pierced defensive lines. There is good news on the injury front as Aurélien Tchouaméni, sidelined with a groin strain during the Round of 16 clash with Paraguay, has resumed training.

Morocco faces challenges too. Ismael Saibari, who scored three goals this tournament, left the last match against Canada due to a thigh injury and remains a question mark. The Atlas Lions will count on stars like Brahim Díaz, who has contributed 10 goal involvements since January’s Africa Cup of Nations, and Achraf Hakimi, who leads the team with 15 chance creations in this World Cup.

What to Expect

For Morocco to overcome France, they will need top performances from their key players and strong teamwork. Meanwhile, France looks to maintain their dominance and continue their quest for another World Cup final.