Morocco fans gathered in Boston on Wednesday, before their match against France.
“When France plays Morocco on Thursday in Boston, it will be the next chapter in what has become a dramatic subplot of these World Cup tournaments: a postcolonial clash, laden with history, symbolism and a dash of score settling. The two countries are intertwined by colonial dominion — Morocco was a protectorate of France from 1912 to 1956 — and then by waves of emigration across the Mediterranean Sea in the 1960s and 1970s. About 1.5 million people of Moroccan descent, most Muslim, now live in France. Many have thrived, but others have struggled to carve out an identity amid questioning of their Frenchness by the far right and other nationalists. All of that sharpens a soccer rivalry as fierce as any in the world. …”
NYT

Mbappe stars as France beat Morocco to reach World Cup semi-finals. Can anyone stop them?
“… That France have not fallen behind once at this World Cup is a testament to their brilliance. Yet it would be interesting to see what happens to them if, say, Spain took a semi-final lead, or maybe England in the final, wouldn’t it? They are so dangerous, particularly when ahead, because opponents have to open up to chase a result. This means France’s turbo-charged forwards have the space to do even more damage. Against Morocco, that is exactly what happened after Mbappe’s opening goal, with Dembele springing the counter-attack followed by a finish that secured his team’s place in the next round. …”
NYT/ATH
YouTube: France vs Morocco Highlights 🌎🏆 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Quarterfinals