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France pushes forward in its quest for a third World Cup crown as it takes on a formidable Morocco side in the opening quarterfinal of 2026 on Thursday.
After cruising through the group stage and dispatching Sweden in the round of 32, Les Bleus found themselves in a bruising battle during the round of 16 against a combative Paraguayan outfit. France ultimately prevailed, with Kylian Mbappé converting a penalty to seal a gritty victory.
Didier Deschamps is well aware that the challenge ahead is considerably tougher than anything his side has faced so far, yet there is every reason for confidence given an outstanding tournament run that has produced five consecutive victories.
Here's the starting lineup Deschamps could field against Morocco at Gillette Stadium.
France Predicted Lineup vs. Morocco
Pick Your France XI!
GK: Mike Maignan—Maignan has largely been a spectator throughout this summer's tournament, conceding only twice and keeping three clean sheets. The AC Milan shot-stopper has denied 80% of the efforts he's faced, ranking third among the remaining goalkeepers in save percentage.
RB: Jules Koundé—The Barcelona full-back was given license to push forward against Paraguay's defensive setup, but Morocco's Bilal El Khannouss will demand far more defensive discipline from him this time around.
CB: Dayot Upamecano—Following a stellar domestic season with treble-winning Bayern Munich, Upamecano has glided through the World Cup with effortless composure.
CB: William Saliba—Morocco may be deprived of key attacker Ismail Saibari through a hamstring injury, which would be a significant advantage for France's backline before a single minute is played. Saliba will nonetheless need to keep a close eye on deputy Soufiane Rahimi, who netted against Canada.
LB: Lucas Digne—Deschamps has alternated between Digne and Theo Hernández, but it is Digne who has been handed the nod for both knockout stage appearances so far.
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CM: Manu Koné—Uncertainty surrounding Aurélien Tchouaméni's fitness persists, suggesting Koné is in line for back-to-back starts. His tireless work rate will be vital in countering the relentless energy of teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi and Roma teammate Neil Al Aynaoui.
CM: Adrien Rabiot—Rabiot has been a cornerstone of the Deschamps era in recent years and continues to serve as an effective link between France's resolute defense and its star-laden attack.
RW: Ousmane Dembélé—The Ballon d'Or holder has registered six goal contributions this summer, even as much of the spotlight has fallen on Mbappé and Michael Olise. Trying to contain France's attack is like a game of Whack-A-Mole — neutralize one match-winner and another emerges to punish you.
AM: Michael Olise—Olise has been a creative force throughout the tournament, racking up a competition-leading five assists. The Bayern Munich star appears to manipulate space and time, carving out openings that others simply cannot see.
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LW: Bradley Barcola—Barcola is locked in competition with Paris Saint-Germain teammate Désiré Doué for a place in the starting XI against Morocco. Whoever gets the call will need to be equally diligent defensively to contain the dangerous combination of Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz.
ST: Kylian Mbappé—Mbappé watched Lionel Messi leapfrog him in the Golden Boot standings on Tuesday and will also have one eye on Erling Haaland and Harry Kane. Few would wager against the Frenchman adding to his seven-goal haul when he faces Morocco, however.