Three Years Later, France and Morocco Meet Again — But Almost Nothing Is the Same
France and Morocco renew their rivalry in Boston in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. Both squads have changed dramatically — here's what's different since the 2022 semifinal.
In 2022, it was the semifinal. Now, it's the quarterfinals. France and Morocco cross paths again in a World Cup knockout round — and the weight of the rematch is very real.
The match takes place this Thursday at 17:00 (Brasília time) in Boston, opening the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. The last time these two sides met at this stage, France won 2–0 through goals from Theo Hernández and Kolo Muani to advance to the final. But the scoreline didn't tell the whole story: goalkeeper Lloris made a string of big saves to hold Morocco at bay, as the Atlas Lions created good chances and kept the pressure on.
What has changed since then? Almost everything.
In France's 2026 squad, only 10 players featured at the last World Cup. There are 16 new faces, 13 of them making their World Cup debuts. Of the starting eleven from that semifinal, just six names remain in the current squad: Koundé, Upamecano, Theo Hernández, Tchouaméni, Dembélé, and Mbappé.
Morocco has changed even more. Only eight players from this year's squad were present in 2022 — 18 changes in total, with 17 athletes who had never previously played at a World Cup. Of the side that took the field in that semifinal, five remain: Hakimi, El Yamiq, Mazraoui, Ziyech, and En-Nesyri.
The road here has been different too. France eliminated Sweden and Paraguay before reaching the quarterfinals. Morocco came through the Netherlands and Canada — reprising the giant-killing instinct that captivated the world in 2022, when they knocked out Spain and Portugal.
Golmetria's model gives France a 13.26% chance of lifting the trophy, against 1.05% for Morocco. The market points in the same direction. But in 2022, the Moroccans were underdogs too — and they nearly turned the game on its head.
Boston hosts a clash loaded with history and a hunger for revenge. Will it end the same way?