World Cup 2026: Quarterfinal - France vs Morocco

After our first day off at this World Cup since it started on June 11th, we had our first Quarterfinal match today. It was tournament favorite France vs a very tough Morocco side that was looking to get revenge for 2022. Morocco made a memorable run to the semifinals of the last World Cup but were knocked out by France. Would it be similar this time around? Here's how it all went down:

France 2-0 Morocco

France were just too good today. They were the better team throughout and the result was never in question. France immediately put pressure on the Moroccan defense and forced goalkeeper Yassine Bono into multiple saves within the first five minutes. Kylian Mbappe would win a penalty in the 25th minute when he was taken down in the box by Nouassir Mazraoui. Mbappe stepped up to take it but it was saved by Bono. There was a lengthy VAR review that seemed to go on forever before Mbappe was allowed to take the kick. The penalty seemed really straightforward so I'm not sure why the review went on for as long as it did. You have to think it affected Mbappe. France would continue to come close to scoring including a Lucas Digne shot that hit the crossbar. But Morocco were able to hang on, largely due to Bono, and get to halftime at 0-0. France dominated xG with 1.87 compared to 0.04 for Morocco at the end of the first 45.

The second half was just a continuation of the first. France would eventually get their breakthrough right around the hour mark through of course, Mbappe. From just inside the box, he curled a shot around defender Issa Diop and past Bono. They would get another just 6 minutes later when Ousmane Dembele fired his shot low and towards the corner. Bono got a hand to it but probably could have done better. You really can't be too hard on him though because he was the only reason Morocco were even in the game. Morocco made a late push to try to get back into it but were unable to get a goal and France held on to their 2-0 lead.

France just keep rolling in this tournament and it doesn't look like anyone can stop them. I thought this would be a close game but France dominated. They finished with an xG of 3.05 while only allowing 0.14 from Morocco. The only concern for France going forward is that Mbappe came off injured in the second half. He did walk off on his own power and salute the crowd, so there is a chance it isn't too bad. We'll have to wait for more information.

Morocco had a great tournament but will probably still leave a bit disappointed. They finished second in their group to Brazil only on goal difference. In the Round of 32, they drew with the Netherlands but advanced on penalties and then beat Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16 to get to this Quarterfinal. Against France today, I think they really missed striker Ismael Saibari. He was their big outlet up top and without him, Morocco struggled to get the ball forward. Still, the future is bright for Morocco and I expect them to be another strong team in 2030.

Tomorrow's Prediction

Spain 2-0 Belgium

Belgium woke up towards the end of their Round of 32 game against Senegal and played well against the US last round to get a 4-1 win. I do think a decent part of that result was self-inflicted by the US but Belgium still did well to take care of business. Spain have looked so efficient this tournament. They'll go long stretches where it seems like their opponents are in the game but they can strike in a flash. Just look at what happened to Portugal in the last round. I think Spain will take this one as they're just the better team.

I'm looking forward to seeing how everything plays out tomorrow. It does feel strange now that we're nearing the end of the tournament. There are only seven games left from here on out and that includes the third place game. You just have to enjoy it all while it lasts. Until tomorrow!