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France and Morocco will renew their growing rivalry in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals today, Thursday.
The two nations return to the global stage four years after France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
This time, a place in the last four is at stake as the Atlas Lions seek revenge against one of the tournament favourites.
Match details
The match will be played today, Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts. Kick-off is scheduled for 9pm Nigerian time.
Why the match matters
The winner will secure a coveted place in the semi-finals and move within two matches of lifting football’s biggest prize.
France are chasing another World Cup title after their recent dominance on the global stage, while Morocco are aiming to become the first African nation to reach consecutive World Cup semi-finals and continue their remarkable rise in international football.
Road to the quarter-finals
France have lived up to expectations with a series of commanding performances, advancing through the knockout stages with confidence.
Didier Deschamps’ side has combined attacking brilliance with defensive discipline, reinforcing their status as one of the favourites for the title.
Morocco, meanwhile, have once again emerged as one of the tournament’s surprise packages.
The Atlas Lions booked their place in the quarter-finals after defeating Canada in the Round of 16, extending the fearless form that saw them make history at the 2022 World Cup.
World Cup history
France are among football’s most successful nations, having won the FIFA World Cup twice and reached multiple finals in recent editions.
Morocco continue to break new ground for African football. Their historic semi-final appearance in Qatar 2022 remains the best World Cup performance by an African nation, and they now have another opportunity to rewrite history.
Head-to-head record
France and Morocco have met several times in international football, but their most memorable encounter came in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, where France claimed a 2-0 victory.
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Thursday’s meeting offers Morocco an opportunity to settle old scores, while France will be determined to maintain their dominance.
France’s strengths
France boast one of the tournament’s deepest squads, led by Kylian Mbappé, whose pace, finishing and creativity continue to trouble opposing defences.
Supported by an experienced midfield and a solid defensive unit, Les Bleus possess the quality to control matches and punish opponents in transition.
Morocco’s strengths
Morocco remain one of the most organised teams in the competition. Their compact defensive structure, disciplined approach and dangerous counter-attacks have made them difficult to break down.
Captain Achraf Hakimi continues to provide leadership, pace and attacking width, while the midfield offers creativity capable of unlocking even the strongest defences.
Key battle
The contest could hinge on whether Morocco can contain Mbappé’s attacking threat while exploiting spaces behind France’s advancing full-backs.
France will seek to dominate possession and create chances through their attacking stars, whereas Morocco are expected to rely on quick transitions, defensive resilience and set-piece opportunities.
Chances of victory
Win probability
France: 50%
Morocco: 35%
Draw: 15%
France enter the contest as favourites because of their superior squad depth, experience and attacking firepower.
However, Morocco has repeatedly shown they can impose themselves on elite opponents and thrive under pressure.
Prediction
Expect an intense and tactical contest between two sides with contrasting styles.
France’s quality in attack may ultimately prove decisive, but Morocco’s discipline and determination should ensure a fiercely competitive encounter.
Predicted score:
France 2-2 Morocco.
