Former France midfielder Emmanuel Petit doesn’t expect a walk in the park for Les Bleus when they take on reigning African champions Morocco in the first quarter-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tonight (July 9) at Boston Stadium, Foxborough.
Didier Deschamps’ side are coming off a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the previous round, with captain Kylian Mbappe scoring the game’s only goal from the spot 20 minutes from time. Meanwhile, the Atlas Lions blanked co-hosts Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16, having beaten three-time finalists Netherlands on penalties in the previous round.
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Acknowledging the quality of Mohamed Ouahbi’s side, 1998 FIFA World Cup winner Petit foresees a tight contest but expects a victory for Les Bleus, telling BOYLE Sports (via Tribal Football):
“It will be a difficult game for France. Morocco will drop back as a unit, but they have quality in transition with fast, technical players. We have to be very careful. France have enough quality to beat them. I expect a fight on the pitch, especially Achraf Hakimi against Barcola or Doue, they know each other well from PSG.
“It is special because many are friends in life. However, France have all the weapons needed to score against any team, whether through transition, individual brilliance, or build-up play. France will win it. I would say 3-1.”
Predicting Deschamps’ side to go all the way, Petit concluded:
“France have everything needed to win the World Cup. The game against Paraguay was like England against Mexico or Argentina against Egypt, qualifying was very difficult. Mentally, and in terms of confidence, it’s a huge bonus for the whole team.”
Les Bleus have reached at least the final at the last two FIFA World Cups, winning one (2018) and losing to Argentina on penalties four years ago.
“There will not be any surprises” – Morocco head coach previews 2026 FIFA World Cup clash vs France
Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has said that his team haven’t prepared any differently for their 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final with two-time champions Les Bleus.
The Atlas Lions are into back-to-back quarter-finals at the quadrennial event, having beat Portugal 1-0 at this stage in the previous edition in Qatar four years ago.
“With regards to preparing for the match, there will not be any surprises,” Ouahbi said (as per Reuters). “I have nothing to hide. I’m not somebody who is keen on surprises, and those of you who have analysed our games, you know that we have a clear idea of how we want to play.
“Of course, the key will be to hurt them when we have possession, but it’s not only on the wings. We have to be patient with the ball, and to find where we can go through on the sides or in the centre.
Ouahbi will be without Ismael Salibari for the Les Bleus game, having injured his hamstring in the Canada win. The striker has scored three times this tournament and also the winning penalty against the Netherlands.
Edited by Bhargav
