On Thursday, Morocco stands on the brink of achieving a remarkable feat by potentially reaching back-to-back World Cup semifinals for the very first time in its history. However, to accomplish this significant milestone, they must face a formidable opponent in the shape of the extraordinary French national team. The last encounter between these two teams occurred during the semifinals of the 2022 tournament, where France proved to be too powerful for Morocco. Nevertheless, the Atlas Lions have shown significant improvement since then, exhibiting a brand of soccer that has garnered attention and respect under the guidance of their progressive manager, Mohamed Ouahbi.
At 49 years old, Ouahbi's managerial skills will be put to the test at Gillette Stadium, especially considering the potential absence of star forward Ismael Saibari. Saibari is currently battling a hamstring injury sustained during the round of 16, which led to his absence from training on Wednesday. Despite this setback, Morocco possesses an impressive depth of talent beyond their starting eleven, allowing them to adapt and still pose a considerable threat to their opponents.
Projected Lineup for Morocco in the Quarterfinals
In goal, Yassine Bounou will be the key figure for Morocco. The 35-year-old goalkeeper has consistently demonstrated his heroics throughout the tournament, and the veteran player will need to deliver yet another magical performance to thwart the attacking prowess of France, which boasts an array of offensive weapons. On the right side of defense, Achraf Hakimi, who is well-acquainted with his opponents from his time at Paris Saint-Germain, will have to exercise heightened defensive discipline while contending with the likes of Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué.
In central defense, Issa Diop, who became a goalscoring hero in the previous round against the Netherlands, faces the daunting challenge of stifling Kylian Mbappé, a player who has already netted seven goals in this tournament. Alongside him, Chadi Riad is expected to return to the heart of defense after missing the previous match due to a minor injury, ready to make a substantial impact in this crucial encounter. On the left flank, Noussair Mazraoui will find himself tested against Ousmane Dembélé, the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, who has already made his mark this summer with four goals and two assists.
In the midfield, Neil El Aynaoui is set to play a pivotal role, likely matching up against his Roma teammate Manu Koné. Known for his tenacious tackling and ability to shield the defensive line, El Aynaoui’s contributions will be vital for Ouahbi's tactical setup. Meanwhile, Ayyoub Bouaddi, the talented Lille midfielder, has attracted significant transfer interest due to his breakout performances and will need to stay focused amid the distractions of the outside noise. On the right wing, Brahim Díaz has been a standout performer, racking up four assists, second only to France’s Michael Olise, and his creativity will be essential in breaking down a resilient French defense that has only conceded twice thus far.
In the attacking midfield role, Azzedine Ounahi will look to replicate his impressive finishing skills, demonstrated in the previous match against Canada, where he scored twice to secure Morocco's place in the quarterfinals. Flanking him on the left will be Bilal El Khannouss, who may face limitations in his attacking freedom due to the defensive responsibilities required to support Mazraoui against Dembélé. Finally, at the forefront of the attack, Soufiane Rahimi is poised to step up in the absence of Saibari, having scored against Canada and maintained an impressive scoring rate for the national team, averaging a goal every three games.
As Morocco prepares for this monumental clash, they carry the hopes of a continent and the ambition to make history. The stage is set, and the world will be watching to see if the Atlas Lions can overcome the odds and secure their place in the semifinals once more.
As reported by si.com.
