The 2026 World Cup will feature one of the most emotionally charged quarterfinal matches. France and Morocco will face off again in a rematch of the Qatar 2022 semifinals—a match that marked a turning point for Moroccan soccer and now offers the chance for a historic rematch.
A little over three years ago, these two teams played one of the most memorable matches in World Cup history. Morocco had emerged as the tournament’s biggest surprise after eliminating Spain and Portugal, while France was defending the title it had won at Russia 2018.
France vs. Morocco at the 2026 World Cup
However, the African dream came to an end in the semifinals.
On December 14, 2022, at Al Bayt Stadium, France won 2-0 thanks to goals by Theo Hernández and Randal Kolo Muani.
The French fullback’s early goal, just five minutes into the game, forced Morocco to change its approach right from the start, while the second goal sealed the victory in the final stretch.
Now, at the 2026 World Cup, the two teams are set to face off once again, with a spot in the semifinals on the line and much of the core of those teams still in place.
France has retained nine players who were part of that squad, including Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Theo Hernández, Jules Koundé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, and Ibrahima Konaté.
On the Moroccan side, several of the players who made history by becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals are still on the roster.
Veteran goalkeeper Yassine Bono continues to lead the team alongside Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Sofiane Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khanouss, and other players who know exactly what it means to face the French in a decisive match.
History is on the French side
The head-to-head record also clearly favors Les Bleus.
In six official and friendly matches between the two national teams, France has four wins, one draw, and just one loss, which occurred in 1998 during the Hassan II Tournament held in Casablanca. That match ended in a 2-2 tie, and Morocco went on to win in a penalty shootout.
Since then, the French have dominated the series with wins in friendly matches played in 1999, 2000, and 1988, as well as their victory in the semifinals of the World Cup in Qatar.
Beyond the statistics, the context makes this match one of the most compelling in the quarterfinals.
France is looking to stay in the running to win another World Cup and establish itself as one of the major powers in international soccer.
Morocco, for its part, will try to write another historic chapter and prove that its success in 2022 was no fluke.
With established stars, unresolved rivalries, and a spot among the top four in the World Cup on the line, the match between France and Morocco promises to be one of the most anticipated games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Filed under: France vs. Morocco, 2026 World Cup