Morocco fell just short last time out but still created history by becoming the first African team to progress to that stage, a feat they will be keen to replicate at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

France have played some characteristically scintillating stuff on their eighth successive appearance at the World Cup, with Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise terrorising opposing defences as they swaggered through Group I with maximum points by beating Senegal 3-1, Iraq 3-0 and Norway 4-1.

They followed that with a similarly dominant 3-0 victory over Sweden in the Round of 32 – Bradley Barcola showing that Les Bleus’ attacking threat runs far deeper than just their headline trio – and then displayed impressive grit and determination to down a dogged Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16 thanks to an Mbappe penalty.

Morocco’s path to this stage has been a little bumpier, but Mohamed Ouahbi’s side have shown quality and fighting spirit in abundance on their third consecutive World Cup appearance.

After starting with an impressive 1-1 draw against Brazil, Morocco made sure of second place in Group C by downing Scotland 1-0 and then edging a topsy-turvy affair against Haiti 4-2.

Next up, Issa Diop headed a dramatic late equaliser to send their Round of 32 clash against the Netherlands to extra time, with the Atlas Lions then emerging victorious on penalties, before an Azzedine Ounahi brace and late Soufiane Rahimi goal sealed a slick 3-0 win over co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16.

Whichever side emerges victorious in the quarterfinal will progress to the semi-final on July 14 in Dallas, United States of America. (FIFA)

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