France vs Morocco
Match Preview
France and Morocco meet in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026, a single-elimination knockout with a place in the semi-finals on the line. The tie carries an unmistakable edge, because it is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final in Qatar, when France won 2-0 to reach the final and end Morocco's fairytale run as the first African and Arab side to reach the last four. France arrive as reigning heavyweights and clear favourites, reaching this stage with a 3-0 win over Sweden followed by a 1-0 victory against Paraguay, and carrying the star power of Kylian Mbappe and one of the deepest squads in the tournament. Morocco, though, are no longer content to be anyone's underdog: they dismantled Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16 and remain one of the most organised and resilient teams in world football. History sits firmly with Les Bleus, who have never lost to Morocco in six meetings, but the Atlas Lions will believe this is their moment to finally topple the side that broke their hearts in 2022. Expect France to control possession and probe for openings while Morocco defend deep, stay compact and threaten on the counter and from set pieces. If ninety minutes cannot separate them, extra time and potentially a penalty shootout await, with a place in the World Cup semi-finals as the reward.
Head-to-Head
France and Morocco have met six times and France have never lost, winning four and drawing two. The rivalry is defined by one unforgettable night: the 2022 World Cup semi-final in Qatar, when France won 2-0 through an early Theo Hernandez strike and a late Randal Kolo Muani goal to end Morocco's historic run as the first African and Arab nation to reach the last four. The earlier meetings were friendlies - a 2-1 France win in Monaco in 1988, a 2-2 draw in Casablanca in 1998 that Morocco edged on penalties in the King Hassan II Trophy, a 1-0 France win in Marseille in 1999, a 5-1 France rout in Casablanca in 2000, and a 2-2 draw in Paris in 2007. Morocco are still chasing a first win over Les Bleus in a full match.
Key Facts
- ●FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final single-elimination knockout tie, with a place in the semi-finals at stake
- ●A rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, which France won 2-0 in Qatar
- ●France reached the last eight by beating Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16
- ●Morocco advanced with a commanding 3-0 win over Canada in the Round of 16
- ●France lead the all-time head-to-head with four wins and two draws in six meetings; if level after 90 minutes, extra time and penalties decide it
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is France vs Morocco at the World Cup 2026?
France vs Morocco is a quarter-final knockout match at the FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled for 9 July 2026 with kickoff at 20:00 UTC. The host venue is still to be confirmed.
What is the head-to-head record between France and Morocco?
They have met six times and France have never lost, winning four and drawing two. The most famous meeting was the 2022 World Cup semi-final, a 2-0 France win in Qatar. Morocco's only success came on penalties in a 2-2 draw at the 1998 King Hassan II Trophy, and they are still chasing a first win over France in a full match.
Is this a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final?
Yes. France beat Morocco 2-0 in the semi-final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with Theo Hernandez scoring early and Randal Kolo Muani late, ending Morocco's historic run as the first African and Arab semi-finalists. This quarter-final is their first meeting since.
How did France and Morocco reach the quarter-finals?
France beat Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32 and Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16. Morocco advanced with a 3-0 win over Canada in the Round of 16.
Who is the favourite in France vs Morocco?
France are the favourites given their squad depth, star quality including Kylian Mbappe and unbeaten head-to-head record. Morocco are clear underdogs, but their organisation, resilience and the motivation of avenging 2022 make them dangerous in a single knockout match.