
France Secures World Cup Semi-Final Spot in Dominant Fashion
France advances to the World Cup semi-finals after a dominant win over Morocco, with Mbappé and Dembélé leading the attack.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Mohamed Ouahbi across Soccer, Football.

France advances to the World Cup semi-finals after a dominant win over Morocco, with Mbappé and Dembélé leading the attack.

Morocco's World Cup side, co‑hosting the 2026 tournament with Portugal and Spain, features players from elite European leagues, many born abroad, propelling the team to its first semifinal and redefining African football.

With a 2022 World Cup semifinal loss still fresh, Morocco will attempt to turn the tables on France, whose high‑scoring offense and seasoned manager Didier Deschamps make them favorites, but the Moroccan defense, conceding just 4.1 expected goals, poses a formidable challenge.

Morocco's World Cup squad blends home‑grown talent with 19 players raised abroad, a result of a deliberate scouting program that began in 2014 and continues to shape the nation's football identity.

Morocco's strategic investment, historic World Cup breakthrough and talent pipeline are propelling the nation toward a permanent place among football's elite.

Morocco is channeling royal support and massive infrastructure spending into football, targeting a World Cup co‑host and a balanced talent pool that blends home‑grown stars with diaspora talent.

Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s assertion that Morocco can win the 2026 tournament is backed by recent victories over the Netherlands and Canada, a deeper squad and tactical refinement.

Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 in a hard‑fought round‑of‑16 clash, with Ounahi becoming the first African player to score twice in a knockout match since 2002. The victory marks Morocco's second consecutive appearance in the quarter-finals.

Morocco’s resilient performance in Houston secured a 3‑0 win against Canada, with Ounahi shining and the team poised for a quarter‑final showdown.

Morocco overcame a sluggish first half to defeat Canada 3‑0, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring twice and the team’s coach praising the tactical adjustment that sparked the comeback.

Canada's lineup sees the return of Luc de Fougerolles and Moïse Bombito, while Niko Sigur earns his first start, as the team prepares to battle Morocco, a match that will determine the quarterfinal berth.

Canada will meet Morocco at NRG Stadium on Saturday, July 4, in a clash that could rewrite the nation's World Cup narrative. Both teams bring distinct strengths, from Canada's rising stars to Morocco's attacking firepower.
After 22 days of group‑stage action, the tournament’s knockout phase is set to feature historic upsets, emerging stars, and veteran heroics.

France tops the standings with Kylian Mbappe leading the scoring, Mexico advances unbeaten, and several under‑dogs prepare for decisive matches.

The Netherlands' unexpected defensive approach against Morocco has ignited a debate about the nation's football identity, with criticism of coach Ronald Koeman and speculation about foreign managers.

An 18‑year‑old prodigy who switched allegiance from France to Morocco, Ayyoub Bouaddi has delivered a series of standout performances that have sparked praise, speculation, and a new narrative for the Atlas Lions.

Morocco fielded an unprecedented starting eleven of players born outside its borders and managed a 1‑1 draw against Brazil in their World Cup Group C opener, showcasing a bold strategy that blends diaspora talent with national ambition.

A 1-1 stalemate saw Morocco's Ismael Saibari open the scoring before Vinícius Júnior equalised, as both sides displayed contrasting strengths ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

Brazil and Morocco settled for a 1‑1 draw in their opening World Cup match, a result that left Group C finely balanced and highlighted both teams' strengths and vulnerabilities.

Morocco opened scoring through Ismael Saibari, only to see Vinicius Jr restore parity for Brazil. Both sides showed moments of brilliance, with Brazil's second‑half surge and Morocco's coach aiming beyond the semi‑finals adding intrigue.

A tactical battle unfolded in the group stage as Morocco took an early lead through Ismael Saibari before Vinicius Jr restored parity for Brazil, exposing both teams’ strengths and vulnerabilities.

A 1‑1 stalemate saw Morocco take the lead through Ismael Saibari before Vinícius Júnior equalised, with Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti noting the team's nervous start and improved second‑half display.

The Athletic rolls out daily World Cup forecasts that combine statistical insight, tactical breakdowns and a cast of unconventional predictors, from seasoned analysts to a six‑year‑old fan and even a dog.
After reaching the 2022 semifinals and securing a historic victory over Spain and Portugal, Morocco’s national team enters the 2026 tournament with a blend of experience and youthful talent, hoping to translate early promise into deeper progress.