France and Morocco meet again after the semi-final in Qatar: not now

Expectations are high for the reunion between France and Morocco, who will face each other again, but this time with a very different scenario to what we saw in the semi-final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The match, scheduled for the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, brings a stronger Morocco more aware of its capabilities, while the French continue to assert themselves as one of the powers of world football. The coach of the Moroccan national team, Mohamed Ouahbi, had previously declared that it didn't matter who his opponent was, and fate brought France back on track. However, Morocco reaches this stage with a renewed identity and much greater confidence than in the past. The team's evolution is undeniable, especially due to the improvements implemented by the Moroccan Federation, which has invested in infrastructure, training young talent and recruiting players with dual nationality. Didier Deschamps, France coach, recognized Morocco's growth, stating that the team did not reach the quarter-finals by chance. He praised the quality of the Moroccan team, which stood out in the last African Cup of Nations. Deschamps' deputy, Guy Stéphan, also highlighted the advances in football in the African country, highlighting the collective strength they maintain and how they have competed with the best teams in the world.  One of the pillars of this revolution is the Mohammed VI Academy, seen as one of the most important player training centers in Morocco. Nasser Larguet, the federation's former technical director, describes the academy as a "gioiello" in terms of infrastructure, offering training camps, accommodation, education and medical care. Since January 2024, Morocco has been undefeated, won the African Cup of Nations at home and has already eliminated strong opponents in the 2026 World Cup, such as Brazil and the Netherlands, beating them on penalties. Currently in sixth place in the FIFA rankings, Morocco can be seen as an underdog team, but the distance in relation to football's greats has narrowed considerably. Larguet believes that, although France have stronger players individually, Morocco's current performance means the chances are equivalent, "50 to 50". Unlike the 2022 semifinal, where several Moroccan players were in precarious condition due to injuries, such as Nayef Aguerd, Noussair Mazraoui and Achraf Hakimi, now Ouahbi has a more complete and prepared squad. An example of this is Ayyoub Bouaddi, a young talent from Lille who chose to represent Morocco, a reflection of the effectiveness of the federation's recruitment project. With a squad largely made up of foreign-born players, Morocco is not just looking to participate in the tournament, but to establish itself as a respectable force in world football, especially with the 2030 World Cup on the way, where it will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal. --- ## Related Articles 1. [World Cup: Steve Clarke and his journey with Scotland](https://torcidanet.live/pt/news/copa-do-mundo-steve-clarke-e-sua-jornada-com-a-escocia) 2. [World Cup 2026](https://torcidanet.live/pt/news/apoio-da-torcida-foi-fundamental-diz-defensor-do-canada-sobre-empate-com-a-bosnia)

Questionsfrequent

When will the reunion between France and Morocco take place?

The reunion between France and Morocco is scheduled for the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup.

What are the expectations for the match between France and Morocco?

Expectations are high, as Morocco arrives stronger and more confident, while France continues to be a powerhouse in world football.

Who is the coach of the Moroccan national team?

The coach of the Moroccan national team is Mohamed Ouahbi.

What did Didier Deschamps say about Morocco's growth?

Didier Deschamps recognized Morocco's growth and stated that the team did not reach the quarter-finals by chance.

How important is the Mohammed VI Academy for Moroccan football?

The Mohammed VI Academy is seen as one of the most important player training centers in Morocco, contributing to the team's evolution.

Read more on our latest coverage and stay tuned for updates on what happens next.