Africa’s interest in the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to an end on Thursday, 9 July, after Morocco national football team were beaten 2-0 by France national football team in the quarter-finals.
Morocco was the last remaining African nation in the tournament after progressing through the Round of 16 with a convincing victory over Canada. Their elimination means no African side will feature in the semi-finals of the expanded 48-team World Cup.
France’s quality proves decisive.
Morocco held their own during the opening stages and frustrated France with disciplined defending. Kylian Mbappe missed a penality kick in the 27th minute of the game from a dangerous tackle by Noussair Manzraoui.
The breakthrough finally came in the 60th minute, when Kylian Mbappé found the back of the net to give France the lead.
Just six minutes later, Ousmane Dembélé doubled France’s advantage, putting the European side firmly in control. Morocco pushed forward in search of a response but could not break through France’s defence as the match finished 2-0.
“France showed their experience in key moments, while Morocco were unable to turn promising spells into goals.”
Morocco bows out with heads held high.
Although their World Cup campaign ended in the quarter-finals, Morocco once again demonstrated why they are among Africa’s strongest football nations.
The Atlas Lions reached the last eight after defeating Canada in the Round of 16 and built on the momentum from their historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup.
Morocco’s run also highlighted the growing competitiveness of African football on the global stage, even though no team from the continent progressed beyond the quarter-finals this year.
“Morocco leaves the tournament as Africa’s last representatives after another impressive World Cup campaign.”
Focus shifts to the remaining quarter-finals.
With France through to the semi-finals, attention now turns to the remaining quarter-final fixtures that will complete the last four.
According to FIFA’s official schedule, the remaining matches are:
Friday, 10 July: Belgium vs Spain – 3:00 pm local time, Los Angeles Stadium.
Saturday, 11 July: Norway vs England – 5:00 pm local time, Miami Stadium.
Saturday, 11 July: Argentina vs Switzerland – 9:00 pm local time, Kansas City Stadium.
The winners will join France in the semi-finals, scheduled for 14 and 15 July, as the race for the World Cup trophy enters its decisive stage.
