​France and Morocco will run it back on Thursday in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with a World Cup semifinal berth at stake instead of a guaranteed spot in the next round. The two nations clashed in the 2022 Qatar semifinal, a match France won 2-0 to extinguish Morocco’s historic dream. Four years later, they meet again in a quarterfinal rematch set to kick off at 4 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium. The victor will move on to face either Spain or Belgium in the Dallas semifinal on July 14. Here is a comprehensive look at both squads as kickoff approaches.
Didier Deschamps announced France’s 26-man squad on May 14, anchored by captain Kylian Mbappé, who arrives at this quarterfinal as France’s all-time leading scorer and just one goal shy of Lionel Messi’s World Cup record. In goal, Mike Maignan (AC Milan) remains France’s unequivocal No. 1, renowned for his shot-stopping ability and composure distributing from the back. Brice Samba (Rennes) provides a capable backup with Ligue 1 experience, offering depth behind Maignan. Robin Risser (Lens) is an uncapped 21-year-old entering the tournament as a relatively untested third-choice option.
At center back, William Saliba (Arsenal) brings composure and ball-playing ability, widely regarded as one of the game’s top young defenders. Lucas Digne (Aston Villa) operates as the left-back option with Premier League experience and reliable set-piece delivery. Theo Hernández (Al-Hilal) adds attacking thrust on the left flank with pace and frequent forward runs, while Lucas Hernández (PSG) provides versatility to play center back or left back, contributing depth to the defense. Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool) stands tall as a dominant presence at center back, forming a formidable partnership in the heart of the defense. Jules Koundé (Barcelona) is another versatile defender capable of filling right back or center back with pace and technical ability. Malo Gusto (Chelsea), a young right back, is prized for his energy and defensive discipline.
In midfield, N’Golo Kanté is the veteran engine, known for his tireless work rate, interceptions, and title-winning pedigree. Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan) offers a box-to-box profile with technical skill and leadership experience for Les Bleus. Manu Koné (Roma) brings energy and ball-winning punch to the middle of the park. Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid) is a physical, all-around midfielder who regularly starts games, though he was managing an adductor issue approaching kickoff. Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG) is a young, dynamic presence with strong passing range and stamina, while Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco) provides a creative attacking option that can offer width and unpredictability.
Up front, Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, captain) returns as France’s talisman, the captain and record scorer, renowned for his speed, finishing ability, and overall threat. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) is the reigning Ballon d’Or winner known for dazzling dribbling and pace on the wing. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) is a skillful winger who can unlock defences with creativity and flair.
As for Morocco, they will aim to replicate the unforgettable run that carried them to the 2022 World Cup semifinal, hoping to upset the favorites once more and extend their campaign. The stakes are high, with a spot in the World Cup semifinals on the line in Foxborough. The winner will advance to a Dallas showdown against either Spain or Belgium on July 14, a berth France and Morocco both crave as they meet in this quarterfinal duel.