France vs Morocco

The most anticipated quarter-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a rematch of one of the great moments of Qatar 2022, when France edged Morocco 2-0 in the semi-final to end the Atlas Lions' historic run. Morocco will be desperate to go one further this time. Walid Regragui's side have been one of the most impressive teams of the tournament — eliminating the Netherlands on penalties in the Round of 32 before dismantling co-hosts Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16, with Azzedine Ounahi and Achraf Hakimi running the show. Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old midfielder whose debut against Brazil made him a social media phenomenon with over a million new followers overnight, has grown in stature with every passing round. France, meanwhile, are the tournament favourites and have looked every bit the part. Kylian Mbappé leads the Golden Boot race with seven goals and two assists, and Les Bleus have yet to concede more than once in any single match. The key battle will be in midfield — Morocco's energy and pressing game against France's composure and technical quality. In Qatar, France's experience proved decisive. In Boston, Morocco will believe their time has come.