World Cup 2026: Morocco duo Salah-Eddine and Talbi target France upset

Morocco internationals Anass Salah-Eddine and Chemsdine Talbi have made their ambitions clear ahead of Thursday’s FIFA World Cup quarter-final, insisting the Atlas Lions are fully focused on overcoming France to secure a place in the last four.

Speaking from Morocco’s training base in Boston, both players expressed confidence in the team’s preparations while acknowledging the quality of their opponents. With a semi-final place at stake, the pair believe Morocco has what it takes to compete with one of the tournament favourites.

The quarter-final represents another major test for the Atlas Lions, who have continued to impress throughout the competition and now stand just one victory away from reaching another World Cup semi-final.

Chemsdine Talbi underlined the significance of the occasion but stressed that the squad’s attention remains firmly on achieving its objective.

“Our only goal is to reach the semi-finals. It’s a match every kid dreams of playing,” the Sunderland winger emphasized in comments reported by Le360 Sport.

Talbi also acknowledged the quality of the French side, describing Les Bleus as one of the strongest teams in international football.

However, his comments reflected the belief within the Moroccan camp that the Atlas Lions can rise to the occasion in one of the biggest fixtures of the tournament.

Defender Anass Salah-Eddine echoed that confidence while paying tribute to the strength of the French squad. The AS Roma full-back admitted France possess exceptional quality but insisted Morocco has enough talent and belief to compete on equal terms.

“They have a lot of quality and a good group, but so do we. I know our strengths; we’ve performed well so far. We’re going to work hard and together,” the defender told Moroccan media.

His remarks highlighted the collective spirit that has characterised Morocco’s campaign. Rather than focusing solely on individual talent, Salah-Eddine pointed to teamwork and discipline as the foundations of the team’s success throughout the tournament.

Morocco’s preparations have continued in Boston as the coaching staff fine-tunes tactical details ahead of the highly anticipated encounter.

The players have remained focused on the task ahead, with every training session aimed at ensuring the squad is fully prepared for the challenge France will present.

The meeting also carries added significance as Morocco and France renew their rivalry on football’s biggest stage. Both nations know the reward for victory is a place in the World Cup semi-finals, making Thursday’s contest one of the standout fixtures of the tournament.

As kick-off approaches, confidence continues to grow within the Moroccan camp. While the players acknowledge the strength of their opponents, their message remains consistent: the Atlas Lions travel into the quarter-final believing they have the quality, unity and determination required to extend their historic World Cup journey.