France vs Morocco is almost certainly the most anticipated quarter-final of the 2026 World Cup. On one side stands a team widely regarded as the strongest nation in the tournament. On the other, a side that has impressed from the group stage onward and now appears to have stepped up to a new level.

Three years on from their semi-final meeting in Qatar, the Atlas Lions have a chance to settle that score. And there are several compelling reasons to believe they can do it.

Since Mohamed Ouahbi took charge, Morocco have found a new gear entirely. The Belgian-Moroccan manager remains unbeaten, with the Atlas Lions going ten matches without defeat — seven wins and three draws.

In a matter of months, Ouahbi has succeeded Walid Regragui with impressive ease, keeping the defensive solidity and team spirit that made Morocco strong while adding a clearer attacking identity.

The 4-2-3-1 system has functioned superbly, with Ismael Saibari operating as a false nine. Saibari will be a big miss for this fixture, but depth is no longer an issue for Morocco.

Ayyoub Bouaddi has integrated with striking naturalness in midfield. Issa Diop has fully redeemed himself after past controversy at the back. And newer faces like Karim El Mourabet and Gessime Yassine have adapted quickly and made genuine impacts off the bench.

Above all, Morocco are playing attractive football. The Atlas Lions enjoy building from the back, rotating positions, and attacking in waves. But they have also shown the capacity to dig in when required, as they demonstrated against Canada in the Round of 16.

The elimination of the Netherlands followed by a commanding 3-0 win against the Canadians sent a clear message: this team now plays like a genuine title contender.

Thursday’s quarter-final will inevitably stir memories. Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, Noussair Mazraoui, Sofyan Amrabat and Azzedine Ounahi were all present for the 2-0 semi-final defeat to France in Qatar in 2022.

That experience is invaluable. They know what a fixture of this magnitude feels like. They know several key figures in the French setup personally. And they also know they looked France in the eye for long stretches of that match three years ago.

They return to this duel with greater maturity, a more cohesive collective, and the deep conviction that Morocco now belongs permanently among world football's elite nations.

"This generation no longer needs to prove it can compete with the best. On Thursday, it will attempt to prove that it can beat them too," a source close to the camp told Julisha.co.ke/subscriptions

France come into the game as the team to beat. Depth across every position, multiple Ballon d’Or contenders, and a track record of performing under pressure make them the tournament favourites.

But they will know exactly what Morocco bring. The physicality, the organization, the quality in transition, and the backing of a global fanbase that has turned every Morocco game into a home atmosphere.

For Didier Deschamps, stopping Morocco’s build-up play and dealing with the Atlas Lions’ wing play will be key. For Ouahbi, finding a way to hurt France without Saibari leading the line will be the tactical puzzle.

If Morocco fall, they will exit with their heads held high against the tournament favourite. No one would call it a failure after wins over the Netherlands and Canada and a run to the last 8.

A victory, however, would change the entire narrative of their World Cup. Eliminating France would open the door to something extraordinary.

Morocco became the first African nation to reach the semifinals of the World Cup by reaching the elite stage in the 2022 edition.

The Atlas Lions have already proven they can compete, today they will try to prove they can conquer.