France vs Morocco Result: France 2-0 Morocco — Mbappe and Dembele Deliver in Six Minutes to Send France to Their Third Consecutive World Cup Semi-Final

July 9, 2026 by Hemim Sk

France vs Morocco final score was France 2-0 Morocco in the World Cup 2026 quarter-final at Gillette Stadium Boston. Kylian Mbappe scored in the 60th minute and Ousmane Dembele added a second in the 66th. France reach their third consecutive World Cup semi-final.

Published: July 10, 2026 | Category: FIFA World Cup 2026 | Author: Hemim Sk

France vs Morocco result: France 2-0 Morocco.

Kylian Mbappé scored in the 60th minute. Ousmane Dembélé scored in the 66th. Six minutes. Two goals. A quarter-final decided in the blink of a tournament. France are in the World Cup semi-finals for the third consecutive time.

Think about what that means for a moment. 2018 — France win the World Cup final in Russia. 2022 — France reach the final in Qatar and lose to Argentina on penalties. 2026 — France are in the semi-final at a tournament they arrived at as the heaviest favourites in a generation. No European nation has reached three consecutive World Cup semi-finals in the modern era. No nation of any confederation has done it since Brazil in 1994, 1998 and 2002. France are in historic company.

Morocco leave this tournament at the quarter-final stage — one round further than they had ever gone before 2022, one round fewer than the miracle run two years ago. But what the Atlas Lions have built across two consecutive World Cups is not simply a result. It is a legacy. Africa’s greatest ever World Cup story. Two tournaments. Two knockout stage eliminations at France’s hands. And a squad that, when they meet again in two years, will be even stronger.

France vs Morocco — Match Facts

Final Score: France 2-0 Morocco
Date: Wednesday July 9, 2026
Venue: Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium), Foxborough, Massachusetts
Quarter-Final — World Cup 2026

Goals:
France — K. Mbappé 60′
France — O. Dembélé 66′

Man of the Match: Kylian Mbappé (goal, assist, complete performance)

France advance to the Semi-Finals — Tuesday July 14, 10pm local time.
Morocco are eliminated from World Cup 2026.

The First 59 Minutes — Morocco’s Greatest Achievement

Before the goals, before the scoreline, before Mbappé and Dembélé ended the match in six minutes — the first 59 minutes of this quarter-final need to be properly recognised as Morocco’s achievement, not France’s.

For nearly an hour at Gillette Stadium in Boston, Morocco stood at 0-0 against the tournament favourites. The same Morocco that had just destroyed Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16 switched their system completely — compressing deeper, defending in organised banks of four, denying France the space between the lines that Mbappé and Dembélé and Doué require to operate at their most dangerous.

Walid Regragui set up his side with the specific tactical intelligence that has defined his entire tenure as Morocco’s manager. Two compact defensive lines. Brahim Diaz operating as the lone pressing threat when Morocco were out of possession. Ounahi and El Khannouss protecting the space centrally. Hakimi at right back staying disciplined rather than marauding forward.

It worked for 59 minutes. France created half-chances but nothing comfortable, nothing inevitable. Maignan was largely untroubled. Morocco were not simply defending — they were waiting.

Then Deschamps made a substitution. Barcola came on for Doué. The width shifted. And three minutes later, Mbappé scored.

60′ — GOAL FRANCE — KYLIAN MBAPPÉ

The move that broke Morocco’s resistance came from France’s left side. Theo Hernandez drove forward from left back and delivered a precise cross into the penalty area where Mbappé, arriving with his signature late run into the six-yard box, directed a header past Bounou at the near post.

Mbappé’s seventh goal of the tournament. France 1-0 Morocco.

Gillette Stadium erupted. Morocco’s defensive organisation — perfect for 59 minutes — had been broken not by a moment of individual genius but by a team move of controlled technical quality. That, in the end, is what separates France from every other team at this tournament. When they need a goal, they find one through collective quality rather than individual magic.

66′ — GOAL FRANCE — OUSMANE DEMBÉLÉ

Six minutes later, the match was over. Mbappé turned provider — collecting on the right side and delivering a low, fast ball across the penalty area that Dembélé met first time with his right foot, driving it past Bounou before the goalkeeper could adjust.

France 2-0 Morocco. 66 minutes. The same Dembélé who had scored a hat-trick in 32 minutes against Norway’s rotation side in the group stage. The same Dembélé-Mbappé combination that has been the tournament’s most devastating attacking partnership. Two goals in six minutes.

The final 24 minutes were played at a controlled tempo. Morocco pushed for a way back but France’s defensive organisation — Upamecano and Lacroix commanding the centre-back partnership — gave them nothing. Brahim Diaz had Morocco’s best late chance but Maignan read the shot early.

Full time: France 2-0 Morocco.

The Number That Defines France’s Tournament

Seven goals. That is Mbappé’s total at World Cup 2026. Seven goals across five matches — one in the group stage against Sweden in the Round of 32, one penalty against Paraguay in the Round of 16, and now the quarter-final header that broke Morocco’s resistance.

He is level with Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings. Both players on eight goals. Both players in the semi-finals. Mbappé vs Messi in the Golden Boot race — the same race that played out at the 2022 final, where Mbappé’s hat-trick was eventually not enough to beat Argentina — is now set to be decided by two more matches.

If Mbappé scores in the semi-final and Messi scores against Switzerland, one more goal from either player could be the difference. The greatest individual scoring race at any World Cup in the modern era continues.

Dembélé’s contribution — eight goals and assists combined across this tournament — remains the most underreported statistic of the entire 2026 campaign. His hat-trick against Norway. His goal against Morocco. His combination with Mbappé that has now broken multiple teams’ defensive resistance at the moment it mattered most. Dembélé at a World Cup is the player the tournament always suspected he could become when his injury problems finally relented.

France’s Historic Run — What Three Consecutive Semi-Finals Means

The last nation to reach three consecutive World Cup semi-finals was Brazil — 1994 champions, 1998 runners-up (losing in the final to France in Paris), 2002 champions again. That run of sustained semi-final quality across three tournaments is considered one of the great achievements in international football history.

France’s run is different in character but equivalent in consistency. They won in 2018. They reached the final in 2022 — losing the most dramatic penalty shootout in recent memory to Messi’s Argentina. Now they are in the semi-finals in 2026 and France play again on Tuesday July 14.

Deschamps has managed France for fourteen years. He is the longest-serving coach of any major international side and the most decorated French manager in history. His critics argue France have never played beautiful football under his management. His record — 2018 World Cup, 2020 Nations League, three consecutive World Cup semi-finals — answers those critics in the only language tournament football respects.

Morocco — The Legacy That Outlasts the Result

Morocco’s 2026 World Cup story ends in the quarter-finals. But the story itself does not end here.

In 2022, they became the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. In 2026, they became the first African nation to reach back-to-back World Cup quarter-finals. They won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023 and 2024. They beat France in that AFCON 2022 final. They have beaten Spain, beaten Portugal and beaten Brazil in the course of these two World Cups.

Morocco are not an underdog story anymore. They are a football power. The best African national team in history, building a squad that is still four years from its absolute peak — the majority of their key players are 25 to 29 years old. Ounahi is 24. El Khannouss is 22. By 2030, Morocco will be hosting their first World Cup on home soil, in front of their own fans.

The 2026 tournament ends in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The 2030 story begins at home.

Walid Regragui’s post-match words captured it perfectly: “We are not at our end. We are in the middle of our story.”

France in the Semi-Finals — What Happens Next

France’s semi-final opponent is confirmed as Tuesday July 14 — the specific opponent depends on the results of Spain vs Belgium (tonight, July 10), Norway vs England (Sunday July 12) and Argentina vs Switzerland (Sunday July 12).

Based on the bracket, France face the winner of Spain vs Belgium in the semi-final on Tuesday July 14. Spain, who eliminated Portugal through Merino’s 90+1 minute Yamal-assisted winner. Belgium, who came back from 0-2 against Senegal in one of the tournament’s defining moments.

France vs Spain would be the semi-final the tournament has been building toward — Mbappé vs Yamal, the man who scored the goal that ended Ronaldo’s final World Cup against the captain who has been the tournament’s leading player. The 26-year-old against the 18-year-old. The current best player in the world against the future best player in the world.

France vs Belgium would be a different kind of final — the tournament’s most emotional team, riding the wave of the Senegal comeback, against the tournament’s most ruthlessly efficient side.

Either way, Tuesday July 14 at 10pm local time. France’s semi-final at a venue yet to be confirmed in the bracket.

Need To Know

What was the France vs Morocco final score?
France vs Morocco final score was France 2-0 Morocco in the World Cup 2026 quarter-final at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Kylian Mbappé scored in the 60th minute and Ousmane Dembélé scored in the 66th.

Who scored for France against Morocco?
Kylian Mbappé scored France’s opening goal in the 60th minute with a header from Theo Hernandez’s cross. Ousmane Dembélé scored France’s second in the 66th minute, assisted by Mbappé.

Is this France’s third consecutive World Cup semi-final?
Yes — France have now reached the semi-finals of three consecutive World Cups: 2018 (won the final), 2022 (lost the final on penalties to Argentina) and 2026 (semi-finalists). No European nation has achieved three consecutive World Cup semi-finals in the modern era.

How many World Cup goals does Mbappe have in 2026?
Kylian Mbappé has 8 goals at World Cup 2026 — equal with Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings.

Did Morocco reach the semi-finals in 2026?
No — Morocco were eliminated at the quarter-final stage by France 2-0. In 2022, they had reached the semi-finals — becoming the first African and Arab nation to do so. In 2026, they become the first African nation to reach back-to-back World Cup quarter-finals.

When does France play their semi-final?
France’s World Cup 2026 semi-final is on Tuesday July 14 at 10pm local time. Their opponent will be confirmed after Spain vs Belgium plays tonight and the full semi-final bracket is determined.

Did France beat Morocco at the 2022 World Cup?
Yes — France beat Morocco 2-0 in the 2022 World Cup semi-final in Qatar. The same scoreline, the same nations, now at the quarter-final stage of the 2026 tournament.

Conclusion

France vs Morocco result: France 2-0 Morocco. Mbappé in the 60th. Dembélé in the 66th. Morocco’s dream of back-to-back semi-finals ended in Boston. France’s dream of a third consecutive World Cup final continues on Tuesday.

Three consecutive World Cup semi-finals. The same attacking partnership producing decisive goals at the moments that matter most. Mbappé level with Messi on seven goals with two matches remaining. Deschamps coaching France into history again.

Morocco leave Gillette Stadium for the last time as the greatest African national team in the history of the World Cup. That is not a consolation. That is a legacy.

France play Tuesday. The semi-final. One match from the World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.

The tournament is in its final week. Everything from here is history in real time.

Read next: World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Schedule — France vs Spain/Belgium and the Other Match Confirmed

Related: France World Cup 2026 Schedule — Les Bleus Complete Quarter-Final Guide
Related: Morocco World Cup 2026 Schedule — Atlas Lions Historic Campaign
Related: Canada 0-3 Morocco — Morocco’s Greatest Victory Before Boston
Related: World Cup 2026 Golden Boot Race — Mbappe and Messi Level on Seven Goals

Is France now the inevitable winner of World Cup 2026 — and does Morocco’s back-to-back quarter-final achievement make them the greatest African football story ever told? Tell us in the comments below

Canada vs Morocco Result: Canada 0-3 Morocco — Ounahi’s Double Destroys Canada’s Historic World Cup Run as Morocco Reach the Quarter-Finals Again

July 4, 2026 by Hemim Sk

Canada vs Morocco final score was Canada 0-3 Morocco in the World Cup 2026 Round of 16 at Houston Stadium. Azzedine Ounahi scored in the 50th and 82nd minutes and Saman Rahimi added a third in the 90+8th. Canada’s historic home World Cup run is over.

Published: July 5, 2026 | Category: FIFA World Cup 2026 | Author: Hemim SK

Canada vs Morocco result: Canada 0-3 Morocco.

It ended hard. After everything — the group stage wins, the first ever home World Cup knockout victory against South Africa, the national pride of a country that had never gone this deep in a World Cup before — Canada’s historic 2026 campaign ended in a 3-0 defeat to Morocco at Houston Stadium that was as comprehensive as the scoreline suggests.

Azzedine Ounahi scored in the 50th minute. He scored again in the 82nd. Saman Rahimi added a third in the 90+8th minute as Canada pushed desperately forward in search of a consolation that never came. Morocco were organised, clinical, relentless and fully deserving of every goal. Canada — who had been the home tournament’s feel-good story — simply had no answer.

Morocco are in the World Cup quarter-finals for the second consecutive tournament. They are the only African nation in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. And they did not just advance — they dominated the co-host nation from the 50th minute until the final whistle in a performance that confirmed their status as one of the genuine contenders to go all the way to MetLife Stadium on July 19.

Canada vs Morocco — Match Facts

Final Score: Canada 0-3 Morocco

Date: Friday July 4, 2026

Venue: Houston Stadium (NRG Stadium), Houston, Texas

Round of 16 — World Cup 2026

Goals:

Morocco — A. Ounahi 50′

Morocco — A. Ounahi 82′

Morocco — S. Rahimi 90+8′

Man of the Match: Azzedine Ounahi

Morocco advance to the Quarter-Finals.

Canada are eliminated from World Cup 2026.

How the Match Unfolded

The first half was Canada’s best period of the match — the only forty-five minutes where they looked like the team that had beaten South Korea, defeated South Africa and built an entire nation’s footballing hopes across three weeks of tournament football. Alphonso Davies was active from left back, his overlapping runs creating the width that had been Canada’s primary attacking weapon throughout the tournament. Jonathan David held the ball intelligently and tried to create spaces for Cyle Larin and the midfield runners.

Morocco, under Walid Regragui, were conservative and disciplined in the first half — exactly as they had been against Brazil in the group stage, where they drew 1-1 and proved they could absorb pressure from the most technically gifted attacking units in the tournament. Achraf Hakimi and Nayef Aguerd anchored a defensive shape that gave Canada’s front players almost nothing to exploit centrally.

Half time: Canada 0-0 Morocco. Tense, tight, genuinely balanced. One goal could have gone either way.

Then the second half arrived. And it belonged entirely to Morocco.

50′ — GOAL MOROCCO — AZZEDINE OUNAHI

Five minutes into the second half, Ounahi — Leicester City’s Moroccan midfielder, one of the most technically gifted players in the tournament — received the ball on the edge of Canada’s penalty area, took one touch to set himself and drove a precise low strike across Matt Freese into the bottom corner. Morocco 1-0. Houston Stadium — with its large Moroccan diaspora contingent making more noise than the Canadian end — erupted.

Canada tried to respond. David had the best opportunity — a header from a cross that flew narrowly over in the 67th minute. Larin’s physical presence caused Morocco’s centre-backs problems in isolated moments. But Morocco’s defensive organisation reasserted itself every time Canada built momentum.

82′ — GOAL MOROCCO — AZZEDINE OUNAHI (BRACE)

Ounahi’s second goal ended the match as a contest with eight minutes remaining. A Morocco counter-attack, initiated by Hakimi’s trademark driving run from right back, found Ounahi in space inside Canada’s penalty area. His finish was as composed as his first — low, accurate, past Freese before he could react. Morocco 2-0. Canada needed two goals in eight minutes. Against Yassine Bounou, the goalkeeper who had made the saves that defined Morocco’s group stage campaign.

Canada pushed everyone forward. Davies was now playing almost as a winger rather than a full-back. David dropped deeper to collect and distribute. The organisation that had made Canada so solid throughout the tournament dissolved in the desperation of the search for a goal.

90+8′ — GOAL MOROCCO — SAMAN RAHIMI

In the eighth minute of stoppage time, with Canada committed forward, Saman Rahimi — introduced as a substitute — broke clear and finished calmly past the stranded Freese. Morocco 3-0. The match was over. Canada were going home.

Match Analysis — How Morocco Won, Why Canada Lost

Morocco’s victory was built on the same tactical foundation that has made them one of the most respected defensive units in world football over the past four years. Regragui’s system — compact, organised, difficult to break down centrally — absorbed Canada’s first half pressure without conceding a meaningful chance. Then, in the second half, the quality of individual performers like Ounahi, Hakimi and Brahim Diaz turned Morocco’s defensive solidity into attacking dominance.

Ounahi’s two goals were the individual performance of the match — two technically excellent finishes from a player who has been developing into one of the best midfielders in European football over the past two seasons at Leicester City. His first goal showed composure under pressure. His second showed predatory instinct in the penalty area. Both were the kind of goals that tournament-quality players score in important matches.

For Canada, this exit stings in a way that the simple scoreline cannot fully convey. They qualified from Group B as winners — their first ever group stage win at a World Cup. They beat South Africa in the Round of 32 through Stephen Eustaquio’s 90+2 minute winner — their first ever knockout stage victory. They arrived at the Round of 16 against Morocco having made more history in three weeks than their football had made in the previous 40 years.

Then they were beaten 3-0. Cleanly. Comprehensively. Without a genuine chance on goal across the entire second half. Morocco are simply a better team than Canada at this stage of the tournament, and Regragui’s side were not going to let the occasion or the home crowd noise change that reality.

Alphonso Davies — who throughout this tournament has produced exactly the performances his reputation demanded — was the best Canadian player in defeat as he has been in every match. His contribution to Canada’s 2026 World Cup, from the opening group match through to the 90th minute of this Round of 16, has been the kind of sustained excellence that defines a player’s career. He leaves Houston without the result his performances deserved. That is football. That is what makes it matter.

Morocco — The Quarter-Final Story Nobody Expected (Again)

Two consecutive World Cup quarter-finals. Back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations titles. The only African nation in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals. Morocco are doing it again.

In 2022, they were the miracle — the team that beat Spain, beat Portugal, drew with France — until Kylian Mbappé in the semi-final ended the dream. In 2026, they are not the miracle. They are the team that was always going to be here, that had built from that 2022 run to something more permanent and more confident. Their squad, their manager, their system — all of it has been specifically constructed for this kind of sustained tournament run.

Their quarter-final opponent will be confirmed after the remaining Round of 16 matches conclude. Whoever faces Morocco next faces a team playing with the full confidence of a side that just destroyed the co-host nation 3-0 without breaking a sweat in the second half.

Canada’s Legacy — What This Tournament Gave Their Football

Canada’s 2026 World Cup will be studied, celebrated and replicated for a generation. They qualified from their group as winners. They won their first ever knockout match. They reached the Round of 16 of a home World Cup for the first time. None of those things existed in Canadian football history before June 2026. All of them exist now.

The young players in this squad — the ones who watched Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David throughout this tournament — will grow up knowing that Canada can compete at a World Cup. That is the legacy that no 3-0 defeat can diminish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Canada vs Morocco score in the Round of 16?

Canada vs Morocco final score was Canada 0-3 Morocco in the World Cup 2026 Round of 16 at Houston Stadium. Azzedine Ounahi scored in the 50th and 82nd minutes. Saman Rahimi added a third in the 90+8th minute.

Who scored for Morocco vs Canada?

Azzedine Ounahi scored twice — in the 50th and 82nd minutes. Saman Rahimi scored in the 90+8th minute to complete Morocco’s 3-0 victory.

Is Morocco in the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals?

Yes — Morocco advanced to the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals by beating Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16, becoming the only African nation in the quarter-finals of the 2026 tournament and reaching back-to-back World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

How far did Canada go in World Cup 2026?

Canada reached the Round of 16 — their deepest ever run at a FIFA World Cup. They beat South Korea and Mexico in the group stage, won the Round of 32 against South Africa through Stephen Eustaquio’s 90+2 minute winner, before losing 0-3 to Morocco.

Did Alphonso Davies score for Canada at World Cup 2026?

Alphonso Davies did not score at the 2026 World Cup but was consistently Canada’s best and most influential player throughout their campaign, providing assists and constant attacking pressure from left back.

Who does Morocco play in the quarter-finals?

Morocco’s quarter-final opponent will be confirmed after the completion of all Round of 16 matches.

Conclusion

Canada vs Morocco result: Canada 0-3 Morocco. Ounahi with a brace. Rahimi with the third in stoppage time. Canada’s historic run is over.

It ended hard. The scoreline said everything and nothing simultaneously — everything about how much better Morocco were in the second half, nothing about what Canada achieved in getting to this stage of their home World Cup for the first time in their history.

Morocco march on. Back-to-back quarter-finals. The only African team left in the tournament. The Atlas Lions are not done yet.

And Canada? Canada go home knowing they gave their country something it had never had before. That does not fade because of one 3-0 defeat.

Read next: Paraguay vs France Result: France 1-0 Paraguay — Mbappe Penalty Sends France to Quarter-Finals

Related: Canada World Cup 2026 Schedule — CanMNT Historic Journey Complete

Related: Morocco World Cup 2026 Schedule — Atlas Lions Full Campaign Guide

Related: South Africa 0-1 Canada — The Historic Round of 32 Win

Can Morocco go all the way to the final this time — and are you proud of Canada’s historic World Cup run despite the exit? Tell us in the comments below

Brazil 1-1 Morocco — FIFA World Cup 2026: Saibari Stuns Selecao Before Vinicius Fires Back in Pulsating Group C Draw

June 14, 2026June 13, 2026 by Hemim Sk

Brazil and Morocco played out a dramatic 1-1 draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C opener at MetLife Stadium. Ismael Saibari gave Morocco the lead before Vinicius Junior’s stunning equalizer. Full match report, goals, stats and analysis

FIFA World Cup 2026 | Group C | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brazil 1–1 Morocco
Goals: I. Saibari 21′ (MAR) | V. Júnior 32′ (BRA)
Attendance: 82,000+ |

Published: June 14, 2026 | Author: Hemim SK

When Brazil and Morocco met at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the world expected a statement from the five-time champions. Instead, it was the Atlas Lions who delivered one first — and the draw that followed sent a message loud enough to echo across every World Cup group.

Morocco 1, Brazil 0. And for eleven minutes at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the world held its breath.

Ismael Saibari’s composed 21st-minute chip over Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker was the defining early moment of the tournament — a moment of attacking class from a Moroccan side that has absolutely earned its seat at football’s top table. Brazil, managed by Carlo Ancelotti in his debut World Cup match as a coach, responded through Vinicius Júnior’s breathtaking curler eleven minutes later. From there, neither side could find a winner, and the Group C standings opened up in the most fascinating way possible.

After 90 minutes at the home of the New York Giants, the scoreboard read: Brazil 1–1 Morocco. Morocco top Group C. Brazil sit second. Scotland and Haiti are watching on.

How It Unfolded

Morocco Set the Tempo

Few anticipated Morocco to pin Brazil back in the opening exchanges of a World Cup group game. But that is exactly what they did, with Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui and Azzedine Ounahi executing a disciplined high press from the first whistle, squeezing space in the Selecao’s midfield and forcing errors.

Achraf Hakimi rattled the energy inside MetLife Stadium in the 7th minute, forcing Alisson into an early alert. Brazil — without the injured Neymar — looked unsettled, their passing slow and their shape vulnerable to Morocco’s athletic transitions.

Saibari’s Chip Shocks the World (21′)

Then came the goal. And what a goal.

Brahim Diaz — the Real Madrid midfielder with the vision to see the pass no one else expected — threaded a perfectly weighted through ball into the channel to release Ismael Saibari. The PSV Eindhoven midfielder found himself one-on-one with Alisson, and without a moment’s hesitation, clipped a delicate, lobbed finish over the advancing goalkeeper. The ball arced through the New Jersey night air and kissed the back of the net.

Morocco 1–0 Brazil. Madness in the stands. A roar from every neutral in the 82,000-strong crowd. The Atlas Lions had arrived — again.

Vinicius Reminds Everyone Why He’s Different (32′)

Brazil, to their immense credit, didn’t panic. Instead, they found their greatest individual to settle the nerves.

Bruno Guimarães — excellent throughout the first half — found Vinicius Júnior in space on the left wing. The Real Madrid winger controlled, cut inside on his right foot, shifted past his marker with an electric dribble, and unleashed a curling, powerful strike that gave Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou absolutely no chance. The ball rocketed into the roof of the net.

Vinicius celebrated wildly. Ancelotti pumped his fists on the touchline. Brazil 1–1 Morocco.

It was a reminder that for all the structure and tactical intelligence Morocco possess, Brazil have a player capable of changing any game in a single touch.

A Second Half of Tension and Attrition

The second half was a different kind of football. Both sides had bitten off chunks of each other in the opening 45 minutes, and the fatigue and tactical wariness showed.

Ancelotti was forced into early changes — Casemiro and Ibáñez, both booked in the first half, made way for Fabinho and Danilo at the break to prevent risking ten men. Morocco brought on Soufiane Rahimi for the goal-scorer Saibari as the game entered its final quarter.

Raphinha went close for Brazil, forcing an excellent reaction stop from Bounou. Lucas Paquetá’s late volley was also brilliantly parried. Morocco’s Mohamed Ouahbi — only appointed manager three months ago — kept his side compact and dangerous on the break, with Brahim Diaz and the newly introduced Rahimi threatening to snatch a famous winner.

Neither goalkeeper was finally beaten again. The whistle blew at 1–1.

Match Stats at a Glance

Stat	Brazil 🇧🇷	Morocco 🇲🇦
Goals	1	1
Goal Scorers	Vinicius Júnior (32′)	Ismael Saibari (21′)
Shots	12	11
Half-Time Score	1–1	1–1
Venue	MetLife Stadium, New Jersey	—

Player of the Match: Brahim Diaz 🇲🇦

He didn’t score, but Brahim Diaz was the architect of Morocco’s best moments. The assist for Saibari’s opener was a pass of elite quality — the kind of ball that requires confidence, vision and split-second execution all at once. He was Morocco’s constant threat until his substitution, and his performance announced himself as one of the tournament’s early stars.

The Big Picture: What This Means for Group C

#	Team	Played	Pts	GD
1	Morocco 🇲🇦	1	1	0
2	Brazil 🇧🇷	1	1	0
3	Haiti 🇭🇹	0	—	—
4	Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿	0	—	—

Morocco’s 2022 World Cup semi-final wasn’t a fairy tale fluke — it was the emergence of a genuine world football power. Sitting top of Group C after opening their campaign against the five-time world champions confirms that Ouahbi’s side are a serious threat in this tournament.

Brazil, without Neymar and still finding their rhythm under a first-time international manager in Ancelotti, will be relieved to have a point. Vinicius Júnior’s quality — and his ability to conjure a goal from nothing — remains their greatest asset. But they must improve if Morocco or any other major side faces them in the knockouts.

For Scotland and Haiti, who play their own Group C opener tonight, the group picture has suddenly become intriguing. A point from Haiti vs Scotland means both of the smaller nations could, in theory, still push for a top-three finish. In the expanded 48-team format, even third place can advance.

Journalist’s Verdict

This was the match the opening day of the 2026 World Cup deserved — two tactically intelligent, technically accomplished teams producing an absorbing 90 minutes that could have gone either way. Morocco’s fearlessness was the story of the first half. Brazil’s individual quality was the story of the second.

The real winner was the neutral fan. And it proved, once again, that this expanded World Cup — stretched across the USA, Canada and Mexico — has the quality and drama to match its extraordinary scale.

Score: Brazil 1–1 Morocco
Next up: Brazil vs Haiti (June 19) | Morocco vs Scotland (June 19)

Article published June 14, 2026. All statistics sourced from live match data at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Brazil vs Morocco: Confirmed Lineups With Cunha and Endrick BOTH Benched in Shock Team News — World Cup 2026

June 13, 2026June 13, 2026 by Hemim Sk

Brazil vs Morocco: Confirmed Lineups for World Cup 2026 — Cunha and Endrick both benched in a shock team news update. Vinicius Jr, Raphinha and Casemiro start for Brazil. Hakimi captains Morocco. Full preview and prediction.

Published: June 14, 2026 | Author: Hemim SK

The match the entire football world has been waiting for is hours away. Brazil vs Morocco. The 2022 World Cup quarter-final rematch. MetLife Stadium. 6pm ET. And the confirmed lineups have just dropped a genuine shock.

Carlo Ancelotti has left both Matheus Cunha and Endrick — two of Brazil’s most talked-about attacking options — on the bench. Instead Vinicius Jr, Igor Thiago and Raphinha form the front three, with Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta controlling midfield.

For Morocco, Walid Regragui‘s side line up with Achraf Hakimi at right-back, Brahim Diaz in an advanced role and Youssef En-Nesyri leading the line — exactly the kind of organised, dangerous setup that beat Brazil on penalties in Qatar 2022.

The lineups are confirmed. The rematch is hours away. Here is everything you need to know.

Brazil vs Morocco — Match Facts

Date: Saturday June 13, 2026
Kickoff: 6pm ET / 11pm BST / Midnight CET (June 14)
Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, New Jersey
Group: C
TV USA: FS1 (English) / Telemundo (Spanish)
TV UK: ITV1 / ITVX
TV Brazil: TV Globo / SporTV
TV Morocco: Arryadia / beIN Sports

Confirmed Brazil Lineup — 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Alisson

Defence:
Danilo Santos (right back)
Marquinhos (centre back)
Gabriel (centre back)
Ibanez (left back)

Midfield:
Bruno Guimaraes
Casemiro
Lucas Paqueta

Attack:
Vinicius Jr (left wing)
Igor Thiago (striker)
Raphinha (right wing)

THE SHOCK — Cunha and Endrick BOTH Benched

This is the headline of Brazil’s team news tonight. Matheus Cunha — the Manchester United forward who has been one of the form players in the Premier League — does not start. Endrick — the 19-year-old Real Madrid sensation who many expected to be Brazil’s breakout star of this tournament — also does not start.

Instead Carlo Ancelotti has gone with Igor Thiago as his central striker — a more direct, physical option who provides a different kind of threat to either Cunha or Endrick. The decision suggests Ancelotti wants height, physical presence and aerial ability to combat Morocco’s experienced and well-organised defensive line, which conceded zero goals in two pre-tournament matches against Burundi and Madagascar.

Vinicius Jr and Raphinha — both confirmed starters — remain the primary creative and goalscoring threats from wide areas. Their understanding, built over seasons together at club and international level, gives Brazil width and pace that Morocco’s defence must respect from the first minute.

Confirmed Morocco Lineup — 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 Hybrid

Goalkeeper: Bounou (Yassine Bounou)

Defence:
Achraf Hakimi (right back)
Diop (centre back)
Riad (centre back)
Mazraoui (left back)

Midfield:
El Aynaoui
Bouaddi

Attack:
Ounahi (left)
El Khannouss (central attacking midfield)
Brahim Diaz (right)
Saibari (striker / false nine)

Morocco’s Tactical Set-Up — What to Expect

Morocco’s lineup confirms exactly the kind of disciplined, organised approach that defined their historic run to the 2022 semi-finals. Achraf Hakimi at right-back is both their defensive anchor on that side and one of their primary attacking outlets — his ability to bomb forward and create overlaps with Brahim Diaz gives Morocco a genuine threat down the right.

Yassine Bounou — Morocco’s hero goalkeeper from the 2022 penalty shootout against Spain — starts in goal once again. His experience in high-pressure knockout-style situations is exactly the calm presence Morocco need against Brazil’s attacking talent

El Khannouss in the number 10 role is the key creative outlet — the Leicester City midfielder has technical quality that can unlock defences and his partnership with Brahim Diaz and Saibari up front gives Morocco multiple ways to threaten on the counter-attack.

The midfield pairing of El Aynaoui and Bouaddi is built for defensive discipline first — exactly the foundation that allowed Morocco to concede zero goals in 120 minutes against Brazil in 2022 before winning on penalties.

Three Key Battles to Watch Tonight

Vinicius Jr vs Mazraoui

Vinicius Jr’s pace and dribbling against Morocco’s left-back Mazraoui is the most dangerous individual matchup for Brazil. If Vinicius gets isolated one-on-one in space he is capable of beating almost any defender in the world. Morocco’s defensive shape will likely look to double up on him whenever possible — meaning Brazil’s other attackers need to exploit the space this creates.

Achraf Hakimi vs Raphinha

The reverse situation on the other flank. Hakimi is one of the best attacking right-backs in the world but defending against Raphinha’s directness and pace is a serious test even for him. If Hakimi commits forward too often, Raphinha has the speed to punish Morocco in behind.

Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes vs El Khannouss

The Brazilian double pivot against Morocco’s most creative outlet. If Casemiro and Guimaraes can deny El Khannouss space and time on the ball, Morocco’s attacking threat is significantly reduced. If El Khannouss finds pockets of space between Brazil’s midfield and defensive lines, Morocco’s counter-attacks become dangerous.

Why Leaving Out Cunha and Endrick Is So Significant

Both players have been heavily discussed in the build-up to this World Cup. Cunha’s Premier League form has been excellent. Endrick’s emergence at Real Madrid has made him one of the most talked-about teenage talents in world football.

Ancelotti’s decision to start neither of them — opting instead for the more experienced Raphinha and the physical profile of Igor Thiago alongside Vinicius Jr — suggests a manager prioritising tactical balance and physical presence over individual flair for this specific opponent.

It is a decision that will be scrutinised heavily depending on the outcome. If Brazil win comfortably, Ancelotti’s tactical reading of Morocco will be praised. If Brazil struggle to break down Morocco’s defence — as they did in 2022 — questions about whether Cunha or Endrick’s directness and unpredictability could have made the difference will follow immediately.

The 2022 Shadow

Every team news update, every tactical decision, every individual battle tonight happens in the shadow of December 5, 2022 — the night Morocco eliminated Brazil on penalties at the Al Thumama Stadium and became the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.

Achraf Hakimi’s Panenka penalty. Vinicius Jr’s heartbreak. Marquinhos hitting the post in the shootout. These images are part of both nations’ football histories now.

Tonight at MetLife Stadium — the venue that hosts the World Cup Final on July 19 — both sets of players carry that history with them. Brazil seeking redemption. Morocco seeking to prove 2022 was not a one-off miracle but the emergence of a genuinely elite football nation.

How to Watch Brazil vs Morocco Tonight

USA: FS1 (English) and Telemundo (Spanish) — also on Fubo streaming
UK: ITV1 and ITVX — free to air
Brazil: TV Globo and SporTV
Morocco: Arryadia (free to air) and beIN Sports
Worldwide: FIFA+ where local rights allow

Prediction

With Cunha and Endrick on the bench, Brazil’s attacking pattern relies heavily on Vinicius Jr and Raphinha’s individual quality combined with Igor Thiago’s physical presence in the box. Morocco’s defensive discipline — as shown in 2022 and in their pre-tournament clean sheets — means Brazil may need a moment of individual brilliance rather than a flowing team goal.

Morocco’s counter-attacking threat through Hakimi, Brahim Diaz and El Khannouss gives them genuine ability to score against Brazil’s high defensive line.

This match could very easily repeat the tactical stalemate of 2022 — tight, tense, low on clear chances, decided by a single moment.

Prediction: Brazil 2-2 Morocco

A tight, tense rematch. Vinicius Jr or Raphinha to find a moment of magic for Brazil. Morocco to find an equaliser on the counter through their disciplined defensive-to-attacking transition. Honours even in the most anticipated group stage match of the tournament.

NEED TO KNOW
What is Brazil’s confirmed lineup vs Morocco?
Brazil’s confirmed XI: Alisson (GK); Danilo Santos, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Ibanez (defence); Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta (midfield); Vinicius Jr, Igor Thiago, Raphinha (attack).

Why are Cunha and Endrick benched for Brazil vs Morocco?
Carlo Ancelotti has opted for Igor Thiago as a more physical central striker option alongside Vinicius Jr and Raphinha, leaving both Matheus Cunha and Endrick on the bench. The decision appears to prioritise physical presence and tactical balance against Morocco’s well-organised defence.

What is Morocco’s confirmed lineup vs Brazil?
Morocco’s confirmed XI: Bounou (GK); Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui (defence); El Aynaoui, Bouaddi (midfield); Ounahi, El Khannouss, Brahim Diaz (attacking midfield); Saibari (striker).

What time is Brazil vs Morocco today?
Brazil vs Morocco kicks off at 6pm Eastern Time on Saturday June 13. That is 11pm British Summer Time and midnight Central European Time (June 14). At MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Did Morocco beat Brazil at the 2022 World Cup?
Yes — Morocco beat Brazil in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals on penalties after a 0-0 draw following extra time. Achraf Hakimi scored the winning penalty with a Panenka. Morocco became the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.

Who is Morocco’s goalkeeper vs Brazil?
Yassine Bounou — known as Bono — starts in goal for Morocco. He was the hero of Morocco’s 2022 penalty shootout win over Spain and remains their first-choice goalkeeper.

Is Endrick playing for Brazil vs Morocco?
No — Endrick has been left on the bench for Brazil’s match against Morocco, with Carlo Ancelotti opting for Igor Thiago as the starting striker alongside Vinicius Jr and Raphinha.

Conclusion

Brazil vs Morocco. 6pm ET. MetLife Stadium. The 2022 rematch with a twist nobody expected — Cunha and Endrick both on the bench.

Vinicius Jr and Raphinha carry Brazil’s attacking hopes. Hakimi and El Khannouss carry Morocco’s counter-attacking threat. Bounou — the hero of 2022 — is back between the posts.

This is the match of the group stage. Kickoff in hours. Do not miss it.

Read next: Qatar 1-1 Switzerland — Khoukhi’s Stoppage Time Drama — World Cup 2026 Result

Related: Brazil World Cup 2026 Schedule — Full Selecao Group C Guide
Related: Morocco World Cup 2026 Schedule — Atlas Lions Complete Group C Campaign
Related: World Cup 2026 Day 3 Preview — Full Schedule for Today

Was leaving out Cunha and Endrick the right call by Ancelotti — and who do you think wins the Brazil vs Morocco rematch tonight? Tell us in the comments below

Morocco World Cup 2026 Squad: Full Official Player List, Key Stars & Atlas Lions Tournament Predictions

May 27, 2026May 27, 2026 by Hemim Sk

The Atlas Lions are ready. Morocco have officially confirmed their FIFA World Cup 2026 squad, and this is a team that carries the weight of a continent’s expectations — and the belief that they can go all the way.
Four years ago, Morocco stunned the world at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, becoming the first African nation ever to reach a semi-final. Now, with a stronger squad, a more experienced generation of players, and home-continent advantage in North America, Morocco arrive at World Cup 2026 as genuine dark horses who could go even further.
Here is the complete, in-depth breakdown of Morocco’s official World Cup 2026 squad — every player, every position, and everything you need to know about why the Atlas Lions could be the story of this tournament.

🇲🇦 Morocco World Cup 2026 Full Official Squad List

🧤 Goalkeepers

Yassine Bounou
Munir El Kajoui
Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti

🛡️ Defenders

Achraf Hakimi
Noussair Mazraoui
Anass Salah-Eddine
Youssef Belammari
Issa Diop
Chadi Riad
Zakaria El Ouahdi
Redouane Halhal
Nayef Aguerd

⚙️ Midfielders

Neil El Aynaoui
Bilal El Khannouss
Azzedine Ounahi
Ayyoub Bouaddi
Ismael Saibari
Sofyan Amrabat
Samir El Mourabet

⚡ Attackers

Brahim Díaz
Ez Abde
Ayoube Amaimouni
Soufiane Rahimi
Chemsdine Talbi
Gessime Yassine
Ayoub El Kaabi

Morocco’s Key Players at World Cup 2026

Achraf Hakimi — The World-Class Heartbeat
If Morocco have one player capable of deciding a World Cup match on his own, it is Achraf Hakimi. The Paris Saint-Germain right-back is one of the best players on the planet in his position — explosive going forward, relentless defensively, and a constant threat from set pieces and open play alike.
Hakimi was Morocco’s standout performer at the 2022 World Cup, and four years on he is at the very peak of his powers. Every team at this tournament will have a dedicated plan to deal with him. Most will fail. When Hakimi gets into his stride down the right flank, Morocco become a completely different animal — fast, direct, and lethal.
He is not just a right-back at this World Cup. He is Morocco’s most dangerous attacking outlet, their leader, and their inspiration. Where Hakimi goes, Morocco follow.
Brahim Díaz — The Magic Maker
Born in Málaga but proudly representing Morocco, Brahim Díaz has become one of the most exciting attacking players in world football. The Real Madrid forward brings dribbling ability, creativity, and a fearlessness in one-on-one situations that makes him a nightmare for defenders.
At 25 and in the form of his life, this World Cup represents Brahim’s greatest stage yet. His ability to play across the front line — cutting inside from the right, dropping into pockets of space, or leading the line — gives Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui enormous tactical flexibility. When the big moments arrive in the knockout rounds, Brahim Díaz is the man most likely to produce them.
Sofyan Amrabat — The Engine That Never Stops
Sofyan Amrabat became a global sensation at the 2022 World Cup, and his performances have since confirmed him as one of the elite defensive midfielders in European football. His role in Morocco’s system is simple but utterly vital — win the ball, protect the defence, and recycle quickly to the attackers.
Amrabat is the player who makes everything else possible for Morocco. Without him sitting and screening, the Atlas Lions’ defensive structure would be far more vulnerable. With him at his best, Morocco have a platform to build from that can compete with any team in the world.
Bilal El Khannouss — The Rising Star
Perhaps the most exciting name in this squad for the neutral, Bilal El Khannouss is the young midfielder who represents Morocco’s future — and increasingly, their present. Still only 20 years old, El Khannouss has the technical ability, vision, and composure to play at the very highest level. His emergence gives Morocco an extra dimension in midfield — creativity, directness, and the ability to make something happen when the game is tight.
Yassine Bounou — The Wall
Yassine Bounou — known simply as Bono — was one of the heroes of Morocco’s 2022 run, producing save after save in the penalty shootout victories that became the stuff of legend. Now aged 33 and with peak experience behind him, Bounou remains one of the best goalkeepers in world football. His shot-stopping, command of his area, and ability to perform under the most intense pressure make him Morocco’s last line of defence — and one of the best in the tournament.
Nayef Aguerd — The Defensive Rock
Centre-back Nayef Aguerd brings physicality, reading of the game, and leadership to Morocco’s defensive line. His partnership with whichever centre-back partner Regragui selects alongside him will be crucial to Morocco’s ability to replicate their Qatar 2022 defensive heroics — where they conceded just one open-play goal in their run to the semi-finals.

World Cup 2026 Injuries Tracker: Every Star Who Could Miss the Tournament

Morocco’s Tactical Setup: How Walid Regragui’s Team Will Play

Morocco under Walid Regragui are a side defined by two things: defensive organisation and devastating counter-attacks. Their base shape is a 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 out of possession that becomes a fast, direct attacking force the moment they win the ball.
The template from 2022 remains the foundation — Amrabat sits and screens, Hakimi bombs forward on the right, and the front three look to exploit pace in behind. What is different in 2026 is the attacking quality available. Brahim Díaz is now a genuine world-class operator. El Khannouss adds a creative dimension the 2022 team lacked. And Ayoub El Kaabi — the top scorer in the 2024 Club World Cup — adds a lethal finishing option through the middle.
Morocco’s strength is their ability to absorb pressure and hit teams on the counter. Their weakness, historically, has been creating chances against deep defensive blocks. With the attacking quality in this squad, that concern is significantly reduced.

Can Morocco Repeat Their 2022 Magic — And Go Even Further?

The question every football fan wants answered: can Morocco reach the World Cup final in 2026?
The honest answer is yes — and here is why.
In 2022, Morocco beat Belgium, Spain, and Portugal on their way to the semi-final. They did it with a squad that, on paper, was less talented than what they have now. The 2026 generation has Hakimi at his absolute peak, Brahim Díaz fully established as a world-class player, and a core group who now have major tournament experience baked in.
The expanded 48-team format also plays in Morocco’s favour. With more games in the group stage, teams like Morocco — who are tactically disciplined and well-organised — can pick up points without necessarily having to go all out from game one.
A semi-final is the minimum realistic expectation. A final is not a dream — it is a genuine possibility. And if it happens, the football world will have witnessed the greatest underdog story the sport has ever seen.
Realistic Outcome: Quarter-finals guaranteed. Semi-finals very achievable. Final within reach.

For more World Cup 2026 squad analysis, Read our full breakdown of Spain’s World Cup 2026 squad and USA’s World Cup 2026 squad — two of Morocco’s potential knockout-stage opponents.

Frequently Asked Questions — Morocco World Cup 2026
Q: What is Morocco’s full World Cup 2026 squad list?

Morocco’s World Cup 2026 squad is: GK — Bounou, El Kajoui, Tagnaouti. DEF — Hakimi, Mazraoui, Salah-Eddine, Belammari, I. Diop, Chadi Riad, El Ouahdi, Halhal, Aguerd. MID — El Aynaoui, El Khannouss, Ounahi, Bouaddi, Saibari, Amrabat, El Mourabet. ATT — Brahim Díaz, Ez Abde, Amaimouni, Rahimi, Talbi, G. Yassine, El Kaabi.

Q: Who is Morocco’s best player at World Cup 2026?

Achraf Hakimi is widely regarded as Morocco’s most important and dangerous player at World Cup 2026, with Brahim Díaz and Sofyan Amrabat also central to their chances of a deep run in the tournament.

Q: How far did Morocco go in the 2022 World Cup?

Morocco reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar — the best ever result by an African nation in World Cup history. They beat Belgium, Canada, Spain, and Portugal before losing to France in the last four.

Q: Can Morocco win the 2026 World Cup?

Morocco are considered genuine dark horses for World Cup 2026. While winning the tournament outright would be a historic achievement, they have the squad quality and tactical discipline to reach the quarter-finals or semi-finals, and a final appearance is not out of the question.

Q: Who is Morocco’s goalkeeper for World Cup 2026?

Morocco’s first-choice goalkeeper is Yassine Bounou — known as Bono — who was a hero at the 2022 World Cup, particularly in penalty shootout victories against Spain and Portugal. Munir El Kajoui and Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti serve as backups.

Q: Who confirmed Morocco’s World Cup 2026 squad?

Morocco’s official World Cup 2026 squad was confirmed and shared by renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano via his social media accounts.

Q: Is Brahim Diaz Moroccan or Spanish?

Brahim Díaz was born in Málaga, Spain, but chose to represent Morocco internationally, the country of his family’s heritage. He is a proud member of the Moroccan national team and one of their most important attacking players.

Q: Who is Morocco’s coach for World Cup 2026?

Morocco’s head coach is Walid Regragui, who led the Atlas Lions to their historic semi-final finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He continues in the role for the 2026 tournament.

Final Verdict: Morocco Are Ready to Make History Again

This is a Morocco squad built on the foundation of 2022’s miracle run — but stronger, more experienced, and with significantly more attacking firepower. Hakimi is world class. Brahim Díaz is world class. Amrabat is one of the best midfielders in Europe. Bounou is one of the best goalkeepers in the tournament.
The Atlas Lions do not just want to reach the semi-finals again. They want to go further. They want to make history that has never been made before. And based on the squad Walid Regragui has assembled for 2026, nobody should be betting against them.
Morocco are coming. And this time, they are coming for the final.