​Morocco is set to collide with France on Thursday, July 9, in the opening match of the World Cup quarterfinals. The Atlas Lions have advanced to the knockout stage’s last eight by triumphing over the Netherlands and Canada, marking a strong run through the tournament so far. This historic moment comes four years after Morocco became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals, a feat accomplished in Qatar. Now, they aim to push further and make it to the final four for the second consecutive World Cup. Their 2022 campaign culminated in a semifinal defeat at the hands of France, and the North African side will be seeking revenge this Thursday in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal), Munir El Kajoui (RS Berkane), Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (AS FAR)
Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United), Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV), Youssef Belammari (Al Ahly), Nayef Aguerd (Marseille)*, Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace), Issa Diop (Fulham), Redouane Halhal (Mechelen), Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Zakaria El Ouahdi (Genk), Marwane Saâdane (Al Fateh)
Midfielders: Samir El Mourabet (Strasbourg), Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille), Neil El Aynaoui (Roma), Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis), Azzedine Ounahi (Girona), Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart), Ismael Saibari (PSV)
Forwards: Abde Ezzalzouli (Real Betis)*, Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland), Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos), Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid), Yassine Gessime (Strasbourg), Ayoube Amaimouni (Eintracht Frankfurt), Amine Sbaï (Angers)*
Notes: Ezzalzouli and Aguerd were replaced by Sbaï and Saâdane as part of the squad changes ahead of the match. The national team’s best World Cup finish remains fourth place, achieved in 2022.
This matchup adds another chapter to a storied history for Morocco, as the squad continues its ambitious pursuit of cup glory on the world stage. The City of Foxborough will host this high-stakes clash, a reminder of the global reach and excitement surrounding the tournament. In context, the World Cup final, held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, featured prominently in discussions about future tournament logistics and opportunities for fans to witness the culmination of the 2026 World Cup journey. The ongoing coverage underscores how fans can pursue tickets and follow the progression of Morocco’s World Cup campaign as they seek to build on their remarkable 2022 performance.