The first quarter-final match of the 2026 World Cup between the runners-up and semifinalists of the 2022 World Cup, at Boston Stadium was a premature meeting for two teams that were supposed to meet in the final.
Having lost on goal difference to Brazil and finished second in Group B, the Atlas Lions are on course for an early meeting with Les Bleus.
But even if Morocco wins Group B, they could create an even more unfortunate encounter for football fans, as they will face Norway prematurely in the round of 16.
Morocco and Norway are the reasons many believe this 48-team World Cup in North America will produce a World Cup champion who is not from the "Gang of Eight": Brazil, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Argentina, Uruguay, and England.
Both Norway and Morocco are teams that have impressed many people not only with their performances, but also with their strong champion aura.
Holding Brazil to a draw in the group stage, taking the Netherlands to a penalty shootout in the round of 32, and then stopping Canada, who were still below them, showed Morocco as a team with a measured system and a strong mentality in paving the way to the final.
Their run has been fantastic. Since being defeated 1-0 by Kenya in the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on August 10 of that year, Morocco has gone unbeaten in 34 matches. During the same period, France has lost six times.
Although this achievement came mostly from matches against African and Asian teams, it is still impressive that it was confirmed in the 2026 World Cup.
After a 1-1 draw against Brazil, Achraf Hakimi and his teammates beat Scotland, Haiti, the Netherlands, and Canada, on pitches they dominated, leaving their opponents unable to be creative, failing to develop their game and reaching a stalemate.
With more than balanced strength in all lines, Morocco has a great ability to disrupt the opponent's game.
They are one of the most consistent teams in the world thanks to their perfect blend of European-style discipline and tactics and a spirited attacking game.
Led by Hakimi, widely considered the best full-back in the world today, Morocco boasts incredible ball-carrying prowess and produces a fluid, fluid game.
