Morocco now knows its opponent for the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup. Following their clear victory against Canada (3-0), Mohamed Ouahbi’s men will meet France, who qualified after a narrow win over Paraguay (1-0).
This duel will undoubtedly have a special flavor. Four years after the semifinal of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, won by the Blues, the Atlas Lions will have the chance to face France again in a major encounter. This time, the stakes will be a place in the final four of the competition.
Against Canada, Morocco confirmed its rise in power. After a fiercely contested first half, the Atlas Lions made the difference thanks to Azzedine Ounahi, who scored twice, before Soufiane Rahimi sealed the qualification in stoppage time. A controlled victory that allows Morocco to reach the quarterfinals for the second consecutive World Cup.
France, on the other hand, had to wait before making the difference against Paraguay. The Blues were saved by Kylian Mbappé, who scored from the penalty spot in the second half, in a tightly contested and very competitive match. Solid without being flamboyant, the French team continues its journey and will thus meet Morocco in one of the major clashes of these quarterfinals.
For the Atlas Lions, this France – Morocco match will represent much more than just a knockout game. It will be a major test against one of the great nations of world football, but also a new opportunity to write an important chapter in the history of Moroccan football.
