World Cup 2026: Morocco could stand between France and another semi-final

France booked their place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a comfortable victory over Sweden, but Didier Deschamps’ side now face a far more demanding route if they are to reach another final.

The French team secured qualification with a 3-0 win at MetLife Stadium in the Round of 32, continuing a strong campaign led by forward Kylian Mbappe.

Their next challenge will come against Paraguay, who produced one of the tournament’s biggest surprises by eliminating Germany.

France and Paraguay are scheduled to meet at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Morocco potential quarter-final opponents

Should France progress, a possible quarter-final clash against Morocco could await, with the Atlas Lions viewed as favourites in their Round of 16 meeting against Canada.

Morocco have already emerged as one of Africa’s standout teams at the tournament after eliminating the Netherlands in dramatic fashion, and another victory would set up a major showdown against the French side.

The quarter-final fixture is scheduled for 9 July.

France are aiming to reach a third consecutive World Cup final, but their side of the draw contains several of the tournament’s strongest teams.

Spain, Portugal and Belgium remain in France’s path

A semi-final appearance could potentially bring France up against one of Spain, Portugal or Belgium, all of whom remain on the same side of the knockout bracket.

Portugal are due to face Croatia, with the winners advancing to meet either Spain or Austria. Only one of those four European teams will progress to the quarter-finals.

Elsewhere on the same path, the United States will face Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Belgium take on Senegal, with the two winners later meeting for a place in the last four.

If France overcome Paraguay and then a possible quarter-final against Morocco or Canada, they would face the survivor from that section in the semi-finals on 14 July.

With African sides continuing to impress at the tournament, Morocco’s potential meeting with France is already shaping up as one of the most anticipated fixtures of the knockout stage.