Atlas Lions prevent Gallic Roosters from crowing

Morocco once created a fairy tale at the 2022 World Cup by becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals. Four years later, the North African representative again stands on the brink of history as they face France in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals.

The match is a replay of the semi-final in Qatar. It is an opportunity for the Atlas Lions to settle the score from four years ago against the Roosters. Morocco is no longer the "dark horse" or surprise of the tournament as they were in the previous edition. Now, Morocco is steadily asserting its place on the world football map.

Historically, Morocco has always been a pioneer for African football at the World Cup. They were the first nation from the continent to directly qualify for the finals in 1970, the first to reach the Round of 16 in 1986, and most recently reached the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup.

With their performances at the 2026 World Cup, Morocco has officially made history by becoming the first African team to reach the quarter-finals in two consecutive World Cups.

In stark contrast to their image at the 2022 World Cup, where Morocco caused a sensation by reaching the semi-finals with a disciplined defensive-counterattacking style, the team under coach Mohamed Ouahbi at this World Cup actively controls possession, constantly applies pressure, and often dictates the tempo. From being the "hunted," Morocco has become a opponent that giants must be wary of.

Calmness is considered Morocco's most dangerous weapon at this point. This composure was most evident in the match against the Netherlands, the homeland of "total football." In that game, Morocco dominated possession (70% throughout the match).

Morocco also possesses quality players capable of turning the tide in difficult matches, such as right-back Achraf Hakimi. The PSG star is leading his team to brilliant performances.

Alongside Hakimi, Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz is also in excellent form for the national team. Talents like young midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille), Ismael Saibari (PSV), and Bilal El Khannouss (Leicester City) are also shining at this World Cup. The combination of disciplined European tactical thinking and the courageous fighting spirit of Moroccans has created a formidable collective. Morocco is truly a team with many technically skilled players, quick in turning, brave in receiving the ball, and possessing the physical foundation to constantly move and press.

The match against France will be a crucial test for the ambitions of coach Mohamed Ouahbi and his squad. With a group of players at their peak, Morocco is ready to make the world football giant take notice.

Overall, France is rated higher than Morocco in terms of both squad strength and class. On the latest FIFA rankings, France has risen to the top spot, while Morocco sits in 6th place.

In the group stage, Morocco drew with Brazil in their opener, then defeated Switzerland and Haiti. They won a thrilling penalty shootout against the Netherlands in the Round of 16 before convincingly beating co-host Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16.

Meanwhile, France has won all five of their recent matches, with forward Kylian Mbappe delivering brilliant performances. The 1998-born striker currently has 7 goals in the tournament, ranking second in the scoring charts behind Argentina's Lionel Messi (8 goals).

Mbappe, along with Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola, form the "atomic" quartet, one of the most dangerous attacking lines at the 2026 World Cup. Notably, Olise has made history by becoming the first player since legend Zico (1978) to achieve over 10 successful dribbles, 10 chance creations from open play, and 10 through balls in his debut World Cup.

France is in exceptional form, having won 11 of their last 12 official matches and currently on a seven-match winning streak. The reigning world runners-up have the opportunity to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup for the third consecutive time. If so, Les Bleus would become the third team after Germany (four times from 2002-2014 and three times from 1982-1990) and Brazil (three times from 1994-2002) to achieve this feat.

The match between France and Morocco will take place at 3:00 AM on July 10. The biggest challenge lies ahead, and this showdown will be the toughest obstacle for the Atlas Lions. The match will also reveal how well Mr. Ouahbi can balance the legacy of four years ago with the new identity he is building at the 2026 World Cup.

Expected starting lineups for both teams
France: Maignan, Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne, Kone, Rabiot, Dembele, Olise, Barcola, Mbappe
Morocco: Bounou, Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui, El Aynaoui, Bouaddi, Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss, Rahimi