Morocco, 5 powers keeping Atlas Lions ahead in dream of defeating France

Morocco face another tough test in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The African representatives will face former world champions France in Boston on Thursday (July 9). No matter how big the opponent's name, the Moroccan camp is not lacking in confidence. On the contrary, recent performances, tactical changes and strong team coordination give them the belief that it is possible to make history by reaching the World Cup semi-finals for the second time in a row. There are a few important reasons behind Morocco's confidence against France.

Fearless mentality against big teams

From the beginning of the World Cup, Morocco has shown that they trust not the name of the opponent, but their own game. They showed their ability by drawing 1-1 against five-time world champions Brazil in the group stage. Earlier, in the 2022 World Cup, the Atlas Lions made history by defeating Spain in a tiebreaker and eliminating Belgium and Portugal. Although that journey stopped in the semi-finals against France. Now, they have a chance to avenge that defeat.

New coach, new football philosophy

The decision to change coaches before the World Cup has had a positive impact on Morocco. Under Mohamed Wahbi, the team is playing much more offensive football than before. They have adopted a strategy of keeping the ball in possession and keeping the opponent under pressure rather than relying solely on defense. Their dominant performance against Brazil and their dominant victory over the Netherlands are a reflection of that change. Morocco has already scored 10 goals this season, which is the joint highest goal scorer for any African team in a World Cup.

Hakimi's experience could be a big weapon

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi will face some familiar opponents. He played at the same club with Kylian Mbappe in the past. Hakimi is currently a teammate of Ousmane Dembele, Desiree Due and Bradley Barcola. As a result, his experience of the strengths, weaknesses and playing style of the French attacking players can bring an additional advantage to Morocco.

Team strength beyond the star shine

This time, Morocco is not dependent on just one or two stars. Ismail Sibery, Ayoub Bouaddi and Neil El Aynaoui have been performing well consistently. On the other hand, Nousair Mazraoui and Brahim Diaz also play important roles. As a result, Morocco has built a balanced team in all departments - attack, midfield and defense.

Bounou is the biggest reliance in the tiebreaker

If there is no result in regular time or extra time, Morocco's biggest reliance in the tiebreaker is Yacine Bounou. He took the team to the quarterfinals by saving two shots in the tiebreaker against Spain in the 2022 World Cup. This goalkeeper was once again the hero in this World Cup by making important saves in the penalty shootout against the Netherlands. So if the match goes to a tiebreaker, Morocco's confidence will be even higher.

Morocco's fairytale ended in the semi-finals four years ago against France. But this time, the Atlas Lions will enter the field with the determination to change history. With great form, confidence, tactical changes and a balanced team, they believe that it is possible to write new history by defeating the world champions and making a ticket to the last four again.