​France fell one win short of their third World Cup title in 2022, losing to Argentina in the final. In 2026, Les Bleus remain within reach of adding a third star to their badge. Guided by superstar striker Kylian Mbappé, France has advanced to the quarterfinals of this year’s tournament. Mbappé has tallied seven goals across five matches, trailing only Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.
France needs three more victories to claim a third World Cup crown, and a second in three tournaments. After overcoming Sweden in the round of 32 and Paraguay in the round of 16, their next test is a rematch with Morocco, who reached the 2022 semifinals, in the quarterfinals. France beat the Atlas Lions 2-0 in Qatar in 2022, and now a victory over Morocco would secure a spot in the semifinals against the winner of Spain versus Belgium.
Possible France lineup for the quarterfinal against Morocco on July 9 in Massachusetts includes: Mike Maignan in goal; Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, and Lucas Digne in defense; Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaïre-Emery in midfield; and a forward line including Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and several other attacking options. The squad features depth across all positions, with experienced and emerging players capable of contributing to a deep run.
Projected starting XI and squad options
– Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes)
– Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
– Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe), Manu Koné (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)
– Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Man City), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Désiré Doué (PSG), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter)
This piece originally appeared on USA TODAY. France’s matchup against Morocco promises to be a fascinating quarterfinal test, with a familiar foe from 2022 looming as an obstacle to a potential semifinal meeting with the winner of Spain versus Belgium. The world’s eyes will be on Gillette Stadium in Foxborough as France pursues a place in the last four and perhaps a chance to add another World Cup trophy to their storied history. For fans seeking live coverage, every World Cup game is available to stream.