Canada’s World Cup dreams ended brutally on Thursday when Morocco eliminated the co-hosts with a relentless 3-0 victory at Gillette Stadium in Boston. Despite controlling the first half, Canada couldn’t prevent a second-half collapse that saw Azzedine Ounahi score twice and Soufiane Rahimi add another to seal the win. The Atlas Lions now face France in a quarter-final rematch of their 2022 semi-final, where France won 2-0 in Qatar. Morocco aims to avenge that loss while France seeks a third consecutive World Cup semi-final appearance.
France remains unbeaten in 12 competitive matches and has won seven straight. If they win an eighth, they become the third nation ever to reach three back-to-back World Cup semi-finals. Morocco, meanwhile, has been unbeaten in 10 matches since the AFCON final and smells an upset. Their route included a draw with Brazil and a 3-0 demolition of Canada, proving they can repeat or surpass their 2022 heroics.
Match Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Kick-off Time: 16:00 local (20:00 UTC)
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Boston (Foxborough), USA
Round: World Cup 2026 Quarter-Final
TV Coverage (UK): BBC iPlayer / ITVX
Statistic
France
Morocco
World Cup Matches Won
5/5 (14 goals scored, 2 conceded)
Qualified via penalties vs. Netherlands
Clean Sheets
3 (vs. Sweden, Iraq, Paraguay)
1 (Group stage)
Consecutive Semi-Final Goal
On track for third
First African nation to reach semi in 2022
Head-to-Head Record
4 wins, 2 draws (never lost)
0 wins, 6 losses/draws
Key Player Status
Kylian Mbappé: 7 goals, outstanding form
Ismael Saibari: Doubt (hamstring injury)
Kylian Mbappé is the focal point for France, having scored seven goals in this tournament. He is one of only two players in history to reach seven or more goals in two separate World Cups, joining Lionel Messi. Mbappé’s penalty against Paraguay secured France’s Round of 16 victory. Morocco’s attack is weakened by striker Ismael Saibari’s hamstring injury, which blunts their ability to challenge France’s defense effectively.
Bookmakers favor France heavily, listing them as strong moneyline winners with Morocco as sizable underdogs. The betting markets expect a lower-scoring game, with the total set around 2.5 goals. Historical data shows 13 of France’s last 16 wins came by two-plus goal margins, while seven of Morocco’s last nine World Cup defeats were by a single goal. This suggests France will control tempo, Morocco will defend deep, and Mbappé will likely find the key.
However, Morocco has proven capable of spoiling favorites, as demonstrated by their elimination of Canada. While the smart prediction leans toward a 1-0 or 2-0 France win, don’t be shocked if the Atlas Lions push the game to penalties and break more hearts. France 2, Morocco 0 remains the most likely outcome, but Morocco’s resilience could make this a exciting contest.
Can Morocco Stop France’s Historic World Cup Run in Boston?
Canada’s World Cup dreams ended brutally on Thursday when Morocco eliminated the co-hosts with a relentless 3-0 victory at Gillette Stadium in Boston. Despite controlling the first half, Canada couldn’t prevent a second-half collapse that saw Azzedine Ounahi score twice and Soufiane Rahimi add another to seal the win. The Atlas Lions now face France in a quarter-final rematch of their 2022 semi-final, where France won 2-0 in Qatar. Morocco aims to avenge that loss while France seeks a third consecutive World Cup semi-final appearance.
France remains unbeaten in 12 competitive matches and has won seven straight. If they win an eighth, they become the third nation ever to reach three back-to-back World Cup semi-finals. Morocco, meanwhile, has been unbeaten in 10 matches since the AFCON final and smells an upset. Their route included a draw with Brazil and a 3-0 demolition of Canada, proving they can repeat or surpass their 2022 heroics.
Kylian Mbappé is the focal point for France, having scored seven goals in this tournament. He is one of only two players in history to reach seven or more goals in two separate World Cups, joining Lionel Messi. Mbappé’s penalty against Paraguay secured France’s Round of 16 victory. Morocco’s attack is weakened by striker Ismael Saibari’s hamstring injury, which blunts their ability to challenge France’s defense effectively.
Bookmakers favor France heavily, listing them as strong moneyline winners with Morocco as sizable underdogs. The betting markets expect a lower-scoring game, with the total set around 2.5 goals. Historical data shows 13 of France’s last 16 wins came by two-plus goal margins, while seven of Morocco’s last nine World Cup defeats were by a single goal. This suggests France will control tempo, Morocco will defend deep, and Mbappé will likely find the key.
However, Morocco has proven capable of spoiling favorites, as demonstrated by their elimination of Canada. While the smart prediction leans toward a 1-0 or 2-0 France win, don’t be shocked if the Atlas Lions push the game to penalties and break more hearts. France 2, Morocco 0 remains the most likely outcome, but Morocco’s resilience could make this a exciting contest.
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