Mbappe magic sets up Morocco rematch as France chase World Cup history
France and Morocco are set for a high-stakes World Cup quarterfinal on Thursday, a rematch of their 2022 semifinal, with Kylian Mbappe in red-hot form and Morocco eager to continue their historic run. The winner will face either Spain or Belgium in the semifinals, as reported by multiple outlets.
France advanced after a 1-0 win over Paraguay in the round of 16, with Mbappe scoring the decisive penalty. The forward has netted seven goals in five matches, placing him level with Erling Haaland and just one behind Argentina's Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot, according to RFI — English.
Coach Didier Deschamps, who will step down after the tournament, has kept his focus on the task at hand. "I am not thinking about that at all. In my mind, with my staff, we are only focused on this match," he said, as quoted by RFI. "Morocco are a very good team with great players. They are not here by accident. It will be a clash between two teams that like to have the ball, attack, and score goals."
Olise appeal rejected
France will, however, be without the services of Michael Olise for the match if FIFA's decision stands. Deschamps revealed that an appeal against a yellow card shown to Olise in the last-16 clash with Paraguay has been rejected by FIFA, according to Al Jazeera.
The incident occurred in the final minutes of the bad-tempered match in Philadelphia, when Olise was booked after an altercation with Paraguay's Matias Galarza. Replays showed little contact, with Olise putting his finger to his mouth as Galarza fell to the ground. Deschamps said: "The yellow card has not been rescinded. We were informed by FIFA this morning. It is maintained." If Olise is cautioned again against Morocco, he will be suspended for a potential semifinal against Spain or Belgium.
Bradley Barcola and Manu Kone are also at risk of suspension, as both were booked in the Paraguay match, according to Al Jazeera. Additionally, midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is recovering from a thigh injury that ruled him out of the Paraguay game, though his availability for the quarterfinal was not detailed.
Morocco's challenge
Morocco, who reached the semifinals in 2022, have continued their upward trajectory by winning the 2025 African Cup of Nations. They drew with Brazil in the group stage, defeated the Netherlands on penalties, and overcame Canada in the round of 16 to set up this rematch, as reported by RFI.
However, Morocco will be without their top scorer Ismael Saibari, who is sidelined with a muscle strain. The team will also face a tough test against a France side that Deschamps described as “red-hot” and “devastating” in attack.
Argentine referee Facundo Tello has been appointed to officiate the match, a decision that has drawn some attention, though Deschamps downplayed any concerns, according to both Al Jazeera and RFI.
Kickoff is set for Thursday at Boston Stadium, with the winner advancing to face either Spain or Belgium in the semifinals.