Nearly four years after their memorable World Cup semi-final meeting in Qatar, France and Morocco renew acquaintances on Thursday evening with another place in the final four on the line.

The stakes may be one round lower this time around, but the significance is no less substantial. France are chasing a third consecutive World Cup semi-final appearance and another step towards retaining their status as world champions, while Morocco continue to carry the hopes of a continent after becoming Africa’s last remaining representative.

Waiting in the semi-finals will be either Spain or Belgium, but both sides know there will be little room for looking ahead when two of the tournament’s most accomplished teams collide in Boston.

Mbappe leads another French charge towards the final four

France have looked every inch one of the favourites throughout the tournament. Didier Deschamps’ side topped Group I with authority before negotiating difficult knockout ties against Sweden and Paraguay, extending their winning run to seven matches in competitive football in the process.

The victory over Paraguay was perhaps their sternest examination yet. Les Bleus were frustrated for long periods before Kylian Mbappe eventually settled the contest from the penalty spot after the trickery of Desire Doue earned the decisive foul inside the area.

Mbappe’s goal moved him onto seven for the tournament, drawing level with Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland in a fascinating Golden Boot race, while also taking the Real Madrid forward to 19 World Cup goals overall. The possibility of becoming the competition’s greatest goalscorer is beginning to move from distant ambition to realistic target.

Around him, France possess arguably the deepest attacking unit left in the competition. Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola have all made major contributions, while Doue’s emergence has added another unpredictable element to an already formidable forward line.

There are minor concerns in midfield, where Aurelien Tchouameni continues to battle a thigh problem that kept him out against Paraguay. Manu Kone performed admirably in his absence and looks set to retain his place if the Real Madrid midfielder fails to recover in time.

Thursday’s contest will also carry additional significance for Deschamps personally. The France manager is preparing for his 25th World Cup match in charge, drawing level with one of the competition’s longest-standing managerial records as he prepares to step down following the tournament.

Morocco continue to blaze a trail for African football

Morocco’s remarkable story shows no sign of ending. After becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022, the Atlas Lions have once again established themselves among the world’s elite by reaching the last eight in North America.

Mohamed Ouahbi’s side finished runners-up in Group C before eliminating the Netherlands on penalties and producing one of the performances of the round of 16 to comfortably defeat co-hosts Canada.

Azzedine Ounahi’s second-half double transformed that contest after an even opening hour, before substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a third goal in stoppage time to complete an impressive victory.

Morocco now arrive unbeaten in ten matches since the controversial Africa Cup of Nations final earlier this year and have developed a reputation for combining defensive organisation with increasing attacking confidence.

Brahim Diaz remains central to much of Morocco’s creativity. His two assists against Canada took him to four World Cup assists in total, the highest figure ever recorded by an African player, while his overall contribution for club and country in 2026 has been exceptional.

Fitness concerns could, however, complicate preparations. Ismael Saibari remains a doubt with a hamstring issue after being forced off against Canada, while Chadi Riad’s condition will continue to be monitored after his own early withdrawal in the previous round.

Unlike four years ago, Morocco arrive believing they belong at this level rather than simply enjoying the occasion. That shift in mentality may be their biggest strength of all.

Verdict

France have looked the more complete side throughout the tournament, but Morocco have already demonstrated on multiple occasions that they are capable of thriving as underdogs on the biggest stage.

The Atlas Lions possess enough technical quality and attacking threat to trouble any defence, particularly through Brahim Diaz and Ounahi, but France’s depth in the final third remains unmatched among the remaining contenders.

The memory of the 2022 semi-final will add an extra layer of intrigue, yet this Morocco side feels more mature and more dangerous than the one France defeated in Qatar.

Even so, knockout football often comes down to moments rather than patterns, and few teams possess more match-winners than Les Bleus.

Tip

France to qualify

Morocco have once again shown why they belong among the world’s elite, but France’s combination of tournament experience, attacking firepower and game-changing quality in the final third could prove decisive in another tight encounter between the two nations.