Kathmandu: France take on Morocco in what could be one of the most exciting quarter finals of the tournament on Friday, 10 July 2026, at 1:45 AM Nepal Standard Time at Boston Stadium. Both teams reached this stage in different ways and both will remember their last meeting at a World Cup very well.

The Story So Far

France did not look like their best selves in the Round of 16 but they still got the job done. Paraguay fought hard against them committing 13 fouls and holding on to the ball for just 24% of the match.

Despite this rough defending, France won 1-0, thanks to a Kylian Mbappe penalty. That goal took Mbappe to seven for the tournament and he now has a chance to become the first player ever to win the Golden Boot in two World Cups in a row.

Morocco’s path here was more dramatic. Canada gave them real problems in the first half of their Round of 16 tie and came close to scoring more than once.

But coach Mohamed Ouahbi clearly said the right things at half-time. Morocco came out transformed with Azzedine Ounahi scoring twice and Soufiane Rahimi adding a third to seal a 3-0 win.

Why This Match Matters

This is not the first time these two teams have met at this stage. In the 2022 World Cup, France beat Morocco 2-0 in the semi final ending a historic run that saw Morocco become the first African nation ever to reach the World Cup semi finals.

Morocco will be desperate for revenge while France will want to prove that result was no fluke. The winner will move on to face either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals adding even more reason for both sides to give their best.

What to Watch For

Mbappe’s form: He is in red hot scoring form and will be the player Morocco fears most.
Morocco’s second-half spirit: Their comeback against Canada showed real character.
A possible upset: This World Cup has already produced its share of surprises, so nobody should rule out a shock result in Boston.

Team News

France: Didier Deschamps is expected to stick with a similar line up. Aurelien Tchouameni remains a doubt meaning Manu Kone should continue in midfield alongside Adrien Rabiot.

Morocco: Ouahbi faces a few selection headaches. Star forward Ismael Saibari was forced off early against Canada with a hamstring problem and is expected to be replaced by Soufiane Rahimi who could start.

Defender Chadi Riad is also a doubt after being substituted in the same match which should open the door for Redouane Halhal to start in his place.

Prediction

Both teams have shown they can raise their game when it matters most. France have the experience and Mbappe’s firepower but Morocco have already proven at this level that they fear nobody. Expect a close and tense contest in Boston.