The World Cup 2026 quarterfinals open on July 9, 2026, with Morocco vs France at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts — kickoff 4pm ET — the first of four last-eight ties this week and a rematch of the 2022 semifinal in Qatar, where France won 2-0 on their way to the final.
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France Arrive Unbeaten and In Ominous Form
France are the tournament's most complete side so far: a perfect 5-0 record, 14 goals scored, only 2 conceded. After topping their group, they beat Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32 and Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16 on a Kylian Mbappe penalty. Mbappe leads the Golden Boot race with 7 goals, backed by an attacking trio of Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is a doubt with an adductor issue picked up before the Round of 16.
Morocco Fly the Only Remaining Flag for Africa
Morocco are the last African team left in the competition. They finished second in their group before edging the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties (after a 1-1 draw) in the Round of 32, then beating co-hosts Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16 through goals from Azzedine Ounahi (brace) and Soufiane Rahimi. Winger Brahim Diaz has provided 4 assists this tournament, while Ismael Saibari — who scored 3 goals before this run — is ruled out with a hamstring injury; Rahimi is expected to start in his place. Morocco's coach struck a confident tone pre-match: "We're no longer a surprise today, and that's a great source of pride."
History Favors Les Bleus
The two sides last met at a World Cup in the 2022 semifinal, where France won 2-0 en route to the final. Overall, France hold a 4-2 edge in wins over Morocco with two draws between them.
WorldCupElite's Read (Analysis, Not Odds)
France's attack has not been seriously tested yet, and the data agrees: pre-match models give France roughly a 62% win probability. But Morocco have already beaten one heavily-fancied European side (Netherlands) this tournament and are unbeaten across five matches themselves. Editorial lean: France, but not comfortably — Morocco have the squad to make this the toughest 90 minutes Les Bleus have faced all tournament.
Match Details
- Fixture: Morocco vs France, Quarterfinals
- Date: July 9, 2026
- Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Kickoff: 4:00 PM ET
- Stakes: Winner advances to face Spain or Belgium in the semifinals on July 14 in Dallas.
WorldCupElite will keep tracking the verified results as the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals continue. For the full picture, see our quarterfinal match hub.
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