Circle July 9th on your calendar, because this one has been four years in the making. Boston Stadium hosts a World Cup quarterfinal rematch of one of the most iconic semifinals in recent memory — France against Morocco, Mbappé against the Atlas Lions, and this time Morocco wants blood.
Let’s rewind to Qatar 2022. Morocco had shocked the world, becoming the first African nation to ever reach a World Cup semifinal. Then France showed up and shut the party down — Theo Hernández scored inside five minutes, Randal Kolo Muani sealed it late, and Les Bleus marched on to the final 2-0. It was heartbreak for Morocco, but it was also history. Now, on American soil, they get their shot at rewriting the ending.
And these two teams? Both walking into this one unbeaten. France have been an absolute wrecking machine — five wins from five, 14 goals scored, only 2 conceded. They smashed Senegal, Iraq, and Norway in the group stage, cruised past Sweden, then had to dig deep for a gritty 1-0 win over Paraguay, with Mbappé converting the decisive penalty. Speaking of Mbappé — the man has 7 goals in his last 5 games and is playing like he’s got unfinished business with this trophy. Add Ousmane Dembélé and rising star Michael Olise (already dishing out assists at a historic clip for a World Cup debutant) and you’ve got arguably the scariest attack left in the tournament.
But don’t sleep on Morocco. This team has been nothing short of gutsy. A 1-1 draw with Brazil to open, a win over Scotland, a wild 4-2 win over Haiti, then survival mode against the Netherlands on penalties before finally clicking into gear with a 3-0 demolition of Canada — Azzedine Ounahi bagging a brace in that one to announce himself on the big stage. Achraf Hakimi continues to be a menace from right-back, already the most creative defender at the last two World Cups combined. This is a Morocco side that doesn’t panic, doesn’t fold, and has shown it can hurt anybody.
There are some worries on both sides heading in, though. Morocco could be without talisman Ismael Saibari, who’s nursing a thigh injury after scoring in every group game. France, meanwhile, are sweating on Aurélien Tchouaméni’s fitness after a groin issue kept him out against Paraguay, and William Saliba is carrying a back knock. Every advantage matters at this stage.
The bookmakers have France as clear favorites, and the numbers back it up — the most goals, the fewest conceded, the deepest bench of superstars in the competition. But World Cups aren’t won on paper, and Morocco has already proven twice on this exact stage that they don’t read the script.
Whoever survives this one marches on to a semifinal date with Spain or Belgium — and a real shot at the final. For France, it’s about becoming just the third nation ever to reach three straight World Cup semifinals. For Morocco, it’s about finishing what they started in 2022 and proving Qatar wasn’t a fluke.
Thursday, July 9th, 4pm ET. Boston Stadium. Mbappé versus the Atlas Lions, round two. Buckle up — this one’s got statement written all over it.
