France will face Morocco on Thursday in a highly anticipated World Cup quarter-final, as the largest and most logistically ambitious tournament in the competition’s history nears its climax.
After a month of thrilling football 280 goals across 96 matchesthe expanded field of 48 teams has been narrowed to just eight, all vying for glory at the July 19 final in East Rutherford.
France, widely considered the standout team so far, open the quarter-finals against Morocco at Gillette Stadium near Boston a rematch of their 2022 World Cup semi-final encounter.
For coach Didier Deschamps, this tournament marks the end of an era; after 14 successful years at the helm, he will step down once France’s campaign concludes. Yet Deschamps, one of only three men to win the World Cup as both player and coach, insists he’s focused solely on the present challenge.
I’m not thinking about my legacy, he said. My staff and I are completely focused on preparing for Morocco and making sure things go well for us.
Deschamps also brushed off concerns about Argentinian referee Facundo Tello potentially favoring Argentina, who could meet France in another blockbuster final.
There are always decisions that can be debated, but our opponent is Morocco—not the referee, he emphasized.
Morocco, led by coach Mohamed Ouahbi, pose a serious threat, blending technical skill, physical strength, and tactical discipline.
We played them four years ago in the semis, and they’ve reached an Africa Cup of Nations final,” Deschamps noted. They’re an excellent side with top players they belong here. It’ll be a clash between two teams who love to attack and control possession.
The winner will advance to face whoever emerges from Friday’s quarter-final in Los Angeles between European champions Spain and Belgium. Spain, who have yet to concede a goal, knocked out Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the last 16 and now face a Belgian team buoyed by a 4-1 rout of the United States.
On the opposite side of the draw, defending champions Argentina meet Switzerland in Kansas City on Saturday, having survived a dramatic scare in the round of 32 against Cape Verde. On Tuesday, Lionel Messi inspired a stunning comeback in Atlanta, overturning a two-goal deficit late against Egypt for a 3-2 victory. “We didn’t want this to be the end—we didn’t want to go home,” Messi said after missing a first-half penalty but ultimately leading Argentina through.
Whoever wins between Argentina and Switzerland will face either Norway or England, who square off in Miami on Saturday. England reached the quarters with a tense 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, reigniting hopes of their first major trophy since 1966. Standing in their way is Norway, powered by the relentless Erling Haaland, who netted both goals in a 2-1 win over Brazil.
