France and Morocco are set to meet again in a World Cup quarter-final on Thursday in Boston, a fixture seen by many Moroccan fans as unfinished business. Four years ago, France knocked Morocco out of the World Cup in Qatar, ending their extraordinary run.
That 2-0 defeat in the World Cup semi-final in 2022 saw Morocco become the first African and Arab nation ever to reach a World Cup semi-final. Moroccan sports journalist Hamza Chtioui describes the upcoming match as a “revenge match for the Moroccan national team”.
Morocco’s Shift in Expectation
For players who were part of the 2022 squad, the loss was felt deeply, and they are now looking to settle the score for themselves and the team. In 2022, Morocco were considered dreamers, with simply reaching the semi-finals feeling like a miracle.
However, the narrative has shifted. Today, reaching the semi-finals would simply meet expectations. Chtioui states that people’s expectations are much higher now, and anything less than the semi-finals would not be considered an achievement.
Years of Strategic Planning Bearing Fruit
This increased confidence is not rooted in nostalgia. Since the tournament in Qatar, Morocco’s Under-20 side has won the Under-20 World Cup, and the senior team has climbed to sixth in Fifa’s rankings. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s (RMFF) long-term investment in youth development is beginning to yield results.
Veteran Moroccan journalist Hameed Bel Hassan highlights that what happened in Qatar was not a fluke. It was the outcome of years of strategic planning and programmes implemented by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, describing it as a national project that has created a formidable national team.
Solid Contenders on the World Stage
Morocco have demonstrated their capabilities throughout this tournament, standing up to some of world football’s heavyweights with confidence, discipline, and belief. They held Brazil before securing victories against Scotland, the Netherlands, and Canada to set up this rematch with France.
There is deep faith in this team, according to Chtioui. Flights full of supporters are arriving from Morocco to the United States, and Moroccans from around the world have travelled to follow the team. Chtioui suggests Morocco will have the stronger support in Boston.
France Remain Formidable Opponents
France, led by Kylian Mbappe, are considered perhaps the tournament’s most complete side. With one of the world’s most talented squads, Les Bleus have reached the quarter-finals playing some of the tournament’s most fluid football.
Individually, France are stronger, Chtioui admits, but he believes Morocco’s midfield is about equal. If Morocco can press France early, as they did against Brazil, they have the potential to create problems for the French side.