2026 World Cup, quarterfinals: France vs. Morocco

After a well deserved day off, the most dramatic World Cup in recent memory returns with some quarterfinal action today, starting with France against the Champions (administrative) of Africa.

France have rolled through the competition without too much trouble, certainly after the first-half of their first game against Senegal, winning all five of their games by an average margin of over two goals. Other than that opening 45, it’s been dominant from last year’s beaten finalists, who are obviously hoping to do one better. And they’ve certainly got the firepower, the depth, and the absolute quality at every position to do so. The only team to give them any pause, really, were Paraguay in the Round of 16, but they had to employ all sorts of shenanigans just to try to stay in it, and they still were defeated in regulation in the end.

Morocco meanwhile have not always managed to impress, and ironically, two of their best games both ended in draws: 1-1 against Brazil in the opening game and the same scoreline against the Netherlands in the Round of 32 before winning on penalties. They did put three past Canada in the Round of 16 and four past Haiti in the groups, but finishing chances remains a pain point for this team, especially now with leading scorer Ismael Saibari set to miss out due to injury.

France are the obvious and heavy favorites here, but we’ve seen plenty of shocks (or near shocks) in this World Cup, so let’s hope that sort of entertainment continues.

Date / Time: Thursday, July 9, 2026, 4pm EDT; 9pm BST
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA, USA
Referee: Facundo Tello (Argentina)

On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK); elsewhere
Streaming online: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)

Chelsea interest: Malo Gusto started the tournament as the second-choice right back, and has remained behind Jules Koundé ever since. He has made three substitute appearances off the bench, a couple last-minute cameos plus a 15-minute stint in the 3-0 laugher against Sweden in the Round of 32. He’s not featured in any of their close games (Senegal, Paraguay) and unless something drastic happens, I don’t expect that situation to change.

Similarly, Chelsea target Maxence Lacroix has served as one of the backup center backs and would only get gametime now if there’s an injury ahead of him. He did play the full-90 against Norway in the final group stage game, and did just fine against a Haaland-less opposition.

Former Chelsea favorite N’Golo Kanté has not seen any action yet, but the adorable veteran midfielder could play a role today, with Aurélien Tchouaméni still injured and Manu Koné one yellow card away from a suspension.

And there’s of course former Chelsea Academy prospect Michael Olise, who’s been one of the absolute stars of this tournament, and leads all players with five assists.