Written by: Ayman Ragab
Three and a half years after a painful loss in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Morocco will face France again in the World Cup. This time, the Atlas Lions are awaiting the quarter-finals, determined to continue their American dream and, above all, to erase the memory of the elimination that left a bitter taste in their mouths.
On December 14, 2022, in Doha, Morocco's historic run in the semifinals ended against France (2-0). Despite a brave performance and periods of control over the match, Walid Regragui's team, the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals, left Qatar amidst a warm ovation, but with a feeling that an even greater achievement was within reach.
On Thursday, history grants Moroccans a new opportunity to challenge the 2018 world champions. The stakes are high: a spot in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup, and a chance to confirm that the Doha epic was not just a fluke.
A generation that wants to write a new chapter
Since the Qatar tournament, Morocco has solidified its position among the world's elite football nations. The national team, led by coach Mohamed Wahbi, boasts a squad that combines experience and youth, featuring seasoned players from major tournaments capable of competing with the best teams.
On the other hand, France continues to impress everyone with the depth of its squad and its expertise in knockout stages. The French team enters this quarter-final match as a favorite to win, but it's important to realize that Morocco is no longer to be underestimated.
Regardless of tactical considerations, this match has become one of the most anticipated of this World Cup, as it evokes emotions in Doha.
Hakimi vs. Mbappé: The Stunning Duel
If it were possible to remember only one image from this match, it would undoubtedly be the confrontation between Achraf Hakimi and Kylian Mbappé.
Despite their off-field friendship after several seasons together at Paris Saint-Germain, they will remain rivals for the entire ninety minutes, and perhaps longer. In 2022, Mbappé won and played a pivotal role in France's qualification. This time, Hakimi hopes to change the outcome.
The Moroccan full-back, one of the best players in the world in his position, will face a difficult task of containing the runs of the French captain, who is considered one of the most decisive players on the planet.
This competition between speed, technique, and game intelligence can significantly affect the outcome of the match.
The weight of history... without succumbing to it
In the Moroccan camp, everyone emphasizes the need to look to the future rather than cling to the memory of Doha. As for the Atlas Lions, they realize that a victory over France would carry a special symbolic significance.
Regardless of qualification, winning would be a sporting revenge for an entire generation of players who were on the verge of achieving this feat four years ago, and it would confirm the steady progress of Moroccan football, which has now established itself among the major powers on the international stage.
However, the French national team also possesses the necessary ingredients to continue its campaign. Its experience in major tournaments, offensive effectiveness, and squad depth make it one of the top contenders to win the World Cup title, according to APA.
One thing is certain before the match kicks off: the Morocco vs. France match promises a tactical, physical, and emotional battle at the highest level.
And when the referee blows the opening whistle, one question will dominate all others: will Morocco finally get revenge on France, and will Achraf Hakimi win his duel against Kylian Mbappé this time, or will the French national team confirm their superiority once again?
