Morocco Poised for Revenge Against France in 2026 World Cup Quarterfinal Clash Tonight

June 25, Kathmandu – The first quarterfinal match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 takes place tonight, featuring one of the most eagerly anticipated and high-intensity encounters in football history.

European football giants France, aiming to reach the World Cup final for a historic third consecutive time, will face African football powerhouse Morocco, both vying for a place in the semifinals.

Morocco seeks to avenge their 2022 Qatar World Cup semifinal defeat and make history once again, while France, led by captain Kylian Mbappé, looks to maintain their attacking momentum and push closer to the title.

With world-class players on the field and fervent Moroccan supporters cheering passionately off it, this match promises to be exceptionally thrilling and tense.

Journey So Far

France: France dominated Group I, advancing as group winners into the knockout stages. During the group phase, they defeated Senegal 3-1, Iraq 3-0, and Norway 4-1, securing full points. In the Round of 32, France convincingly beat Sweden 3-0.

However, their Round of 16 encounter against the defensively strong Paraguay was challenging. Thanks to captain Mbappé’s decisive penalty, France secured a tough but mature 1-0 victory, booking their spot in the quarterfinals.

Morocco: The 2022 semifinalist Morocco once again delivered excellent performances, progressing as runners-up from Group C. They drew 1-1 against strong Brazil, then defeated Scotland 1-0 and Haiti 4-2 on goal difference. Morocco’s knockout stage journey has been particularly dramatic.

In the Round of 32, Issa Diop’s dramatic late goal forced extra time against the Netherlands and stunned the Dutch in the penalty shootout. Morocco then claimed a straightforward 3-0 win over hosts Canada in the Round of 16, with two goals from Azzedine Ounahi and one from Sofiane Rahimi.

Head-to-Head

This is the first World Cup meeting between these two teams. In their historic clash at the 2022 Qatar World Cup semifinals, France defeated Morocco 2-0 with goals from Théo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani to reach the final. Morocco is now poised to take revenge for that defeat.

While France holds a strong record in international matches, Morocco’s current squad is capable of upsetting any major team. Out of six total matches, France has won four, Morocco one, and one ended in a draw. France has scored 14 goals to Morocco’s six.

Team Information

France: The French team appears full of confidence. Key attackers like captain Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michaël Olise are in peak fitness, and Bradley Barcola continues to impress off the bench.

Assistant coach Gui Stephane mentioned that the tough victory over Paraguay has boosted the team’s mental maturity.

Morocco: Ismail Saibari will be unavailable against France due to an unresolved hamstring injury. Aside from him, the squad has no other injury concerns. Captain Achraf Hakimi and defender Issa Diop form a strong defensive line. In midfield, Ounahi and in attack, Rahimi’s form will be the team’s main weapons.

Coach Mohammed Uhbi made it clear that simply reaching the quarterfinals is not enough: “Our goal is to win tomorrow’s match and advance to the semifinals. Getting this far is just the beginning,” he said.

Probable Starting XI

France (4-2-3-1): Mike Maignan (goalkeeper), Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Michaël Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, Kylian Mbappé

Morocco (4-2-3-1): Yassine Bono (goalkeeper), Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Oussama Halhal, Noussair Mazraoui, Ayoub Bouadi, Nayel El Aynaoui, Brahim Diaz, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss, Sofiane Rahimi

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Match: France vs Morocco, Quarterfinal
Date & Time: June 26, 1:45 AM
Venue: Boston Stadium
Live Broadcast: Himalaya Sports