France to face Morocco in World Cup quarterfinal rematch
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
France will play Morocco in a World Cup quarterfinal on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Boston. The match, a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semifinal, will kick off at 9:00 pm Nigeria time. France enters as favorites, relying on the pace and creativity of attackers like Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise. Morocco will counter with disciplined defense, quick counterattacks, and the attacking runs of Achraf Hakimi, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou potentially playing a key role. France is monitoring midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni's fitness, while Morocco may be without Ismael Saibari due to injury. Argentina's Facundo Tello will referee the match. France has won all five tournament matches, including a 1-0 victory over Paraguay, while unbeaten Morocco eliminated the Netherlands on penalties and beat Canada 3-0. A key tactical battle will be between Mbappé and Hakimi, former Paris Saint-Germain teammates, as Mbappé attacks France's left flank. The winner will advance to the semifinal to face the winner of Spain vs Belgium. France seeks another World Cup title, and Morocco aims to continue its historic run after becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal in 2022.
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