Morocco will meet France in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup, aiming to secure a historic first win against the French and avenge their 2022 semifinal loss. The match will be played Thursday at 11:00 a.m. Mecca/Doha time at Boston Stadium.

Head-to-Head History

This will be the seventh encounter between Morocco and France. The two sides have met five times in friendlies and once in an official match.

  • Feb 5, 1988 (Friendly, Monaco): France 2–1 Morocco

  • May 29, 1998 (King Hassan II Cup, Casablanca): Morocco 2–2 France, Morocco won 8–7 on penalties

  • Jan 1999 (Friendly): France 1–0 Morocco

  • Jun 2000 (Friendly): Morocco 1–5 France

  • Nov 2007 (Friendly): France 2–2 Morocco

  • Dec 14, 2022 (World Cup semifinal, Qatar): France 2–0 Morocco (Goals: Theo Hernández, Randal Kolo Muani)

    • The only Moroccan “win” came via penalties in 1998, while France has dominated official competition, including the Qatar semifinal.

    Road to the Quarterfinals

    Morocco advanced after a commanding 3–0 victory over Canada. Hours later, France joined them by edging Paraguay 1–0, courtesy of a Kylian Mbappé penalty.

    Coach Mohamed Wahbi has repeatedly stated that his squad is determined to go beyond their Qatar 2022 achievement, where Morocco reached the semifinals, and ultimately aim for the title.

    The Challenge Ahead

    France enters as one of the favorites, boasting a star-studded lineup across all positions. Morocco must overcome this formidable obstacle to continue their historic run. Should they succeed, they will face the winner of Spain vs Belgium in the semifinals.