Morocco's Atlas Lions face France in 2026 World Cup quarter-final rematch
via Le Matin3 min read
Morocco's Atlas Lions are set to play France in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, a rematch of their 2022 encounter. Under coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the Moroccan team has developed significant collective maturity, exemplified by Azzedine Ounahi's performance against Canada. The team's midfield now effectively controls possession and dictates play, with a focus on verticality and rapid transitions while maintaining a strong defensive block. Supported by enthusiastic fans in American stadiums, Morocco approaches this match with confidence, possessing the technical, physical, and mental resources to challenge the French team. France, led by Kylian Mbappé, has shown impressive realism, with Mbappé scoring seven goals in five matches. However, Mohamed Ouahbi has identified potential weaknesses in Didier Deschamps' system, particularly in the French midfield against high pressing and fast ball circulation, and the spaces left open by advancing full-backs. Morocco's strategy will involve exploiting these wide areas to stretch the French defense and pressure their central defenders. A key individual battle will be between Achraf Hakimi and Kylian Mbappé, former Paris Saint-Germain teammates and friends. Hakimi, playing on Morocco's right flank, will be tasked with containing Mbappé, who is particularly dangerous on France's left wing. This high-intensity duel between two of the fastest players globally is expected to be a decisive factor in the match, with the winner potentially propell
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