Form going into the Quarter-final
2022 Semi-final — the rematch context
In the 2022 World Cup Semi-final in Qatar, France beat Morocco 2-0. Theo Hernandez scored inside the first minute to give France the lead and Mbappe converted a late penalty to seal it. Morocco had been the tournament's darlings — the first African and Arab nation ever to reach a World Cup Semi-final — and their elimination was one of the most emotional moments in recent World Cup history.
Many Morocco players and fans have spoken about that result as unfinished business. The 2026 draw has given them their chance. If Morocco can beat France in this QF, they become the first African nation ever to reach back-to-back World Cup Semi-finals — and eliminate one of the tournament favourites in the process.
Key battle — Ounahi vs Mbappe
Azzedine Ounahi is the player of the tournament for Morocco. The Marseille midfielder scored twice against Canada in R16 and has been orchestrating attacks with a combination of technical quality and relentless energy. At 24, this is his second World Cup and he looks a completely different player to 2022 — more composed, more decisive.
Kylian Mbappe (7 goals) is the most dangerous attacker left in the draw. He scored in the 2022 SF against Morocco. France will look to isolate Mbappe in behind Morocco's defensive line — and Ounahi's ability to press and win the ball back in midfield is the key to stopping France from building momentum.
The match within the match: Can Ounahi's energy crowd out Mbappe's brilliance? Or will France's quality prove too much?
What does this mean for Africa?
Morocco reaching the 2022 Semi-final was the greatest achievement in African football history. A 2026 Semi-final would confirm it was no fluke and establish Morocco as a genuine global football power — not just a continental one. The entire continent of Africa, and the Arab world, will be watching on July 9.
A Morocco Final appearance (requiring them to also beat one of Brazil/Norway, then Spain/Argentina in the SF) would be the most extraordinary story in the history of the FIFA World Cup.
Who does the winner face in the Semi-final?
The winner of Morocco vs France (QF1) faces the winner of QF2 (Brazil/Norway vs Mexico/England) in Semi-final 1 on July 14. From that side of the bracket, the most likely SF opponents are Brazil or England.
The Final is on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey. See the full QF bracket and Semi-finals guide.
Prediction
This is genuinely 50-50. Morocco's defensive solidity makes them very hard to break down — they've conceded only twice all tournament. France have the best individual player in the draw (Mbappe) but struggled to dominate Paraguay. The 2022 SF went to France comfortably; this feels much tighter. If Morocco can survive the first 20 minutes and stay in the match, they have the quality to win it in normal time or a shootout. Our lean: Morocco 1-1 France (AET) — Morocco win on penalties. But don't bet against Mbappe proving us wrong.