France and Morocco set for 2026 World Cup's first quarter-finals clash

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Sports Tak

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Achraf Hakimi and Kylian Mbappe in the frame (Images via Getty)
Achraf Hakimi and Kylian Mbappe in the frame (Images via Getty)

Story Highlights:

Morocco booked their place with a commanding 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada

France progressed from their round of 16 encounter vs Paraguay

In one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, Morocco will face France in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The clash pits two sides with recent history against each other once again. 

Morocco booked their place with a commanding 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in the round of 16, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring twice and Soufiane Rahimi adding a late third. The Atlas Lions thus become the first African nation to reach the quarter-finals in consecutive World Cups.

France, meanwhile, progressed from their round of 16 encounter vs Paraguay, where Kylian Mbappe’s second-half penalty powered the side to the next round, and will now renew hostilities with Morocco. The teams last met in the 2022 semi-finals in Qatar, where France prevailed 2-0 on their way to the final.

France and Morocco set for 2026 World Cup's first quarter-finals clash

The quarter-final is scheduled for Friday, July 10 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Fans are already calling it a blockbuster, with significant African support behind Morocco, often dubbed the "Brazil of Africa" for their stylish play. 

With stars like Mbappe likely to feature for France and a resilient Moroccan side led by the likes of Achraf Hakimi, the tie promises drama, tactical battles, and potential for an upset. A place in the semi-finals awaits the winner.

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