France face Morocco in a mouth-watering quarter-final clash, with both nations seeking to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup 2026. Les Bleus continue their pursuit of another title with their unbeaten record intact, while the Atlas Lions aim to extend their remarkable tournament run against one of the competition’s elite sides in a 2022 rematch. Follow our liveblog for minute-by-minute commentary.
Morocco: Bounou – Hakimi (C), Diop, Mazraoui, Salah-Eddine – Bouaddi, El-Aynaoui – Talbi, Ounahi, El Khannouss – Diaz.
GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLL
And once again, it’s Kyliaaaaaaan Mbappé !!!
Bono stands firm once again
Doué unleashes a firm strike aimed at the middle of the goal that forces Bono into a tricky save. The Morocco keeper has to be alert and focused to keep the shot out.
Olise’s pass intercepted!
Michael Olise attempts a defence-splitting pass to find Adrien Rabiot in a promising position, but a Morocco defender reacts quickly and makes a timely interception
Missed opportunity for Diaz
Brahim Diaz produces a quality cross into the box looking for Moroccan attackers, but the French defenders are alert and Kone intercepts the ball
Second half underway
And it’s half-time in Boston
Handball from Rabiot
Rabiot loses control of the ball and it strikes his arm, prompting the referee to immediately award a free kick to Morocco.
It goes nowhere!
Koné’s blast goes nowhere
Manu Koné latches onto a loose ball and unexpectedly unleashes a powerful strike from distance, but a Morocco defender reacts quickly to throw himself in front and block the shot
5 minutes of added time
Upamecano’s pass too strong
Dayot Upamecano attempts to find Jules Koundé with a through ball, but his pass is too powerful and the ball sails out of play…
Morocco take control
Morocco are now dictating the tempo of the match, keeping possession and moving the ball with confidence through their midfield
France lack precision
Free kick for France after Neil El Aynaoui brings down Kone
Nothing comes out of it
Ohhh Doué so closeeeee
The PSG forward accelerates past his marker and finds himself in a promising position inside the box, but Bono is equal to his attempt with an excellent save!
What a goalie
Dembélé’s special
Ousmane Dembélé strikes from the edge of the box with power, but it’s well wide of the left post!
Time for a cooling break
And Mbappé misses it
Mbappé has to wait a considerable time before stepping up to take the penalty, allowing tension to build and doubts to creep in.
PENALTYYY
VAR is checked and it’s a penalty for Mbappé
Olise’s delivery too powerful
Olise whips a cross from the side to find Koundé in the box, but the ball is played with too much pace and drifts out of play several metres beyond the penalty area
France dismantled Sweden 3-0 in their opening round of 16 encounter before overcoming Paraguay to secure their passage to the quarter-finals. Didier Deschamps‘ side have maintained an unbeaten record throughout the tournament, combining attacking prowess with defensive discipline. Kylian Mbappé has been particularly influential, his goal-scoring tally continuing to mount as France pursue another World Cup crown.
Morocco claimed the first quarter-final spot after a dominant 3-0 victory over Canada in Houston, with Selim Ounahi’s brace and Soufiane Rahimi’s late strike showcasing their attacking quality. The Atlas Lions have been one of the tournament’s most impressive sides, topping their group before delivering superb knockout performances. This quarter-final represents a genuine opportunity for Morocco to reach their second World Cup semi-final, though they face one of world football’s elite sides in France.
