Mbappé's France face an unbeaten Morocco in quarter-finals
Four years ago, France brought Morocco's dream to an end. In the semi-finals of the Qatar World Cup, Les Bleus defeated the Atlas Lions 2-0, ending the greatest fairytale run in the history of African and Arab football.
Four years later, the two sides meet again at the World Cup. This time, however, the stage is the quarter-finals rather than the semi-finals, and Morocco arrive with far greater confidence and maturity.
Morocco booked their place in the last eight with a 3-0 victory over Canada. Although the scoreline appeared comfortable, the match was anything but easy. Co-hosts Canada dominated large spells of the first half, pressing aggressively and making Morocco uncomfortable. But the composure required to capitalize on opportunities in knockout football was on full display. After the break, a brace from Azzedine Ounahi and a stoppage-time strike by Soufiane Rahimi ended Canada's World Cup dream.
For Morocco, this was more than just another knockout victory. After stunning the football world by reaching the semi-finals in 2022, the Atlas Lions are no longer viewed as surprise contenders—they have established themselves as genuine title challengers.
A draw against Brazil, a penalty shootout triumph over the Netherlands, and an impressive second-half performance against Canada all underline that Morocco have not come merely to write another fairytale—they have come to go even further. Notably, Morocco are now unbeaten in 34 consecutive matches.
The quarter-final, however, will present their toughest challenge yet. Standing in their way is France—and Kylian Mbappé.
France were far from spectacular in their 1-0 victory over Paraguay. The contest was physically demanding, played in difficult conditions, and required patience. Ultimately, Mbappé converted a penalty won by Désiré Doué to secure France's place in the quarter-finals. The goal took his tally to seven in this World Cup.
France can take confidence from the fact that they know how to win even when they are not at their best. At the same time, there are warning signs. Didier Deschamps' side lacked their usual attacking sharpness against Paraguay. While Mbappé found the net, France created very few clear-cut chances from open play. Whether such a performance will be enough against a disciplined, dynamic, and confident Morocco remains a major question.
Morocco's greatest strength is no longer just their defensive organization. In 2022, they earned widespread praise for their resilience, discipline, and devastating counterattacks. Under Mohammed Ouahbi, however, the team has evolved into a more attack-minded side that presses aggressively and plays with greater confidence in possession.
Yet against Canada, Morocco also demonstrated their tactical flexibility, dropping deeper when necessary, absorbing pressure, disrupting their opponents' rhythm, and ruthlessly punishing mistakes.
With players such as Ismael Saibari, Brahim Díaz, Ounahi, Achraf Hakimi, and Yassine Bounou, Morocco have become a far more complete team. The only concern is the fitness of Saibari, who suffered a thigh injury against Canada. One of Morocco's most influential attacking players, his condition will be closely monitored ahead of the quarter-final.
The encounter between France and Morocco also carries considerable emotional significance. Moroccan football has deep historical ties with French football, with many Moroccan internationals having grown up or developed through French or Belgian football systems. The memories of the 2022 semi-final also remain fresh, when Morocco's courageous campaign fell just short of reaching the final.
This time, therefore, the match is more than just a quarter-final. For Morocco, it represents an opportunity to settle unfinished business. For France, it is another obstacle on the road to the World Cup title. Mbappé and his teammates will face a Moroccan side that now believes it belongs among the world's elite, while Morocco will confront a French team that has made winning at this stage of the World Cup a habit.
Ultimately, the contest may come down to France's star power against Morocco's collective spirit. If Mbappé is given space, he possesses the ability to change the match single-handedly. But if Morocco can dictate the tempo, with Hakimi's threat down the right flank, Díaz's creativity, and Ounahi's long-range danger, they have every chance of troubling France.
France ended Morocco's dream in 2022. The question now is whether, in 2026, Morocco can finally return the favor—or whether Mbappé and France will once again remind the Atlas Lions of football's unforgiving reality on the biggest stage.