The Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals more than once after beating co-hosts Canada 3-0 in Houston on Saturday.
Azzedine Ounahi scored twice in the second half before Soufiane Rahimi added a late third as the Atlas Lions ended Canada’s impressive run and moved into the last eight for the second consecutive tournament.
For France, they punched their ticket to the quarters after beating Paraguay 1-0 courtesy of a Kylian Mbappe. The North Africans are still unbeaten in the 2026 edition.
Morocco, who were playing in Group C, started their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Brazil, recovered to beat Haiti 1-0 before concluding their group matches with a 4-2 victory against Haiti.
In the Round of 32, Morocco came up against Netherlands and after a 1-1 draw in normal and regular time, the Atlas Lions progressed to the Round of 16 after winning 3-2 on penalties.
In the Round of 16, Morocco easily dispatched Canada 3-0 to set up a quarter-final berth with France, who, just like Morocco, are unbeaten from their five World Cup matches played so far.
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'Morocco lacks nothing to reach semi-finals
“For me, I am optimistic that Morocco will defeat France,” the Libyan legend told ON Sports.
“The Moroccan national team’s style of play closely resembles the French style; both teams play attacking football, and both sides possess the talent and quality.”
El Taib, who captained Libya during the 2006 World Cup Qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continued: “In my view, France’s only advantage lies in their bench, which is stronger than Morocco’s.
“However, if Morocco plays with full focus and delivers their true performance—with Brahim Diaz in attack, El Aynaoui and Ayoub Bouaddi in midfield, alongside the defensive line and Yassine Bounou, the Moroccan team lacks absolutely nothing to reach the semi-finals.”
The Les Bleus, who were pooled in Group I, started their campaign with a 3-1 win against Senegal, followed it up with a 3-0 win against Iraq, and rounded off their group matches with 4-1 demolition of Norway.
France were drawn against Sweden in the Round of 32, a side they easily defeated 4-1 before eliminating Paraguay to reach the quarters.
To support his statement on Morocco, the veteran midfielder recalled the team’s historic run in Qatar, pointing out the team is no stranger to causing major upsets against Europe’s elite.
“The Moroccan national team has previously eliminated Spain when they were at full strength, and also bypassed Portugal in the quarter-finals of the last World Cup, so they are fully capable of repeating that achievement,” offered El Taib.
Morocco’s most legendary run came in Qatar 2022, when they made history as the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.
The Atlas Lions topped a tough group, defeated Spain on penalties in the Round of 16, and eliminated Portugal in the quarter-finals. They ultimately finished in fourth place.
