World Cup 2026: Morocco can beat France and challenge for the title – Ex-Atlas Lions star Tahar El Khalej

Former Morocco international Tahar El Khalej believes the Atlas Lions have everything it takes to defeat France in their 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final, insisting the team has developed into one capable of competing with the world’s footballing elite.

El Khalej, who represented Morocco at the 1994 World Cup in the United States and the 1998 tournament in France, expressed confidence that the current generation has the quality, belief and mentality needed to continue their historic World Cup journey.

Speaking ahead of Thursday’s highly anticipated clash, the former defender said Morocco should approach the match with confidence rather than fear.

“The Moroccan national team is among the strongest teams participating in this tournament, and national football is experiencing significant development, so our chances are very high,” El Khalej said.

“We will enter the match confident in our abilities, not with the mentality that the French team is stronger than us.”

The former international believes Morocco’s greatest strength lies in the unity and concentration of the squad, adding that a fully focused Atlas Lions side can compete with any opponent.

“The strengths of the Atlas Lions lie in the readiness and focus of all the players,” he explained.

“When everyone is at their best, as we have seen in major matches, the Moroccan national team is capable of competing with any team in the world.”

El Khalej also praised head coach Mohamed Wahbi and his technical staff for preparing the team well for another crucial World Cup test.

“The players are professionals and know very well how to handle matches of this magnitude, and the coaching staff, led by Mohamed Wahbi, is doing a great job,” he said.

“In such encounters, focus remains the most important factor.”

Despite backing Morocco, El Khalej acknowledged the quality of the French squad and warned that Les Bleus possess world-class talent across the pitch.

“The French national team boasts big stars and a high-quality bench, giving coach Didier Deschamps plenty of options, especially after their tough match in the previous round,” he noted.

Asked whether Morocco could go all the way and win the World Cup, El Khalej said there was no reason to rule out such a possibility.

“Why not? The Moroccan team has previously defeated major teams, but we must take each match as it comes,” he said.

The former defender also referenced Morocco’s 2022 World Cup semi-final defeat to France, expressing hope that this year’s contest would be decided solely by what happens on the pitch.

“I just hope that French President Emmanuel Macron doesn’t go onto the pitch again, as he did during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, and that the match is played in a sporting atmosphere, free from any external pressures or influences.”

Morocco will face France in Boston on Thursday with a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake, as the Atlas Lions seek revenge for their defeat to Les Bleus in Qatar four years ago and continue their quest for a historic first FIFA World Cup title.