World Cup 2026 – Morocco: a chance for revenge against France

At the 2022 World Cup, France shattered Morocco’s dream of reaching the final. The Atlas Lions stopped in the semi-finals after a 2-0 defeat. Achraf Hakimi and his teammates have a new opportunity to set the record straight.

Morocco, a complete and experienced team

Morocco’s 2026 squad exudes maturity and experience. This team, now led by Mohamed Ouahbi, is confident in its strengths. Since the start of the competition, they have scored 10 goals in 5 matches, conceding only 4. This squad is strong in all areas with very high-level players. Several individuals have distinguished themselves: Achraf Hakimi on the right, Ismael Saibari in attack, Issa Diop in central defense, Ayyoub Bouaddi in midfield.

Morocco has strong arguments to surprise the French team. In fact, the ambition of the Moroccan side is to return home with the trophy. As a result, they will give everything to knock out Les Bleus on their way.

“I don’t like it when people think what’s already been done is enough and the rest is just a bonus. There is no bonus: the only bonus is to win the Cup.”, said coach Mohamed Ouahbi at a press conference.

Containing France’s attacking threats

France is the favorite team of the 2026 World Cup. During the tournament, Les Bleus have proved their firepower. The strength of this team is the attack with the trio Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé. These three stars have shone and have been involved in many goals since the start of the competition. After 5 matches, the French team has scored 14 goals. Another sign of their attacking power. The Moroccan defense has its work cut out. To beat Les Bleus, the Atlas Lions must be solid at the back as they were against Canada. They need to concede fewer clear chances and restrict passing lanes.

Defensively, France reigns supreme with only two goals conceded. Dayot Upamecano, the leader at the back, is having an exceptional World Cup. The Moroccan attackers must battle hard to win duels and be clinical in front of goal. In any case, Brahim Diaz believes, despite Ismael Saibari’s withdrawal at the head of the attack.

“We want to make history with Morocco. A World Cup is the chance to write something unique for our country. We want to create that history together.”, said the Real Madrid right winger at a press conference.

Deschamps is wary of Morocco

Admittedly, the French team has shone since the start of the 2026 World Cup. But they have not yet faced a squad of Morocco’s caliber. The Atlas Lions are 6th in the FIFA rankings and have shown great things at the 2026 World Cup. The Moroccan side has the assets and resources to unsettle Kylian Mbappé’s crew. Didier Deschamps knows it very well.

“Morocco has very good players, who know my players very well. But my players know them too. We know what to expect tomorrow against Morocco.”, he said at a press conference.

Speaking to M6, the coach of Les Bleus reiterated his words. He is very wary of Morocco, a real quality team: “We’re in the quarter-final of the World Cup. Obviously, we’ll have an opponent of a very, very high level tomorrow facing us. ”, he said.

France – Morocco, a close contest that should live up to all expectations.