World Cup 2026: Deschamps warns France against underestimating Morocco in quarter-final clash

France head coach Didier Deschamps has warned his players not to underestimate Morocco, describing the Atlas Lions as a high-quality side ahead of Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Deschamps said France expect a difficult encounter against a Moroccan team that has continued to impress despite a change in coaching staff.

“We played against the Moroccan national team four years ago. Morocco is not Paraguay,” Deschamps said.

“They are a team that reached the final of the African Cup of Nations. They have outstanding players, and they are a team that prefers to possess the ball and attack. They have very high quality.”

The France boss also provided an update on his squad’s fitness following the demanding conditions experienced during the tournament.

“There are absolutely no guarantees. We had an extra day of rest, and in the meantime, for two days we experienced a severe heat wave and heavy rain. The temperatures will rise again, but not like in the last match.”

“Rest is essential, and we are doing our best with the medical staff to ensure that the players are in top condition.”

Deschamps confirmed that midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni is recovering well but remains the only player being monitored ahead of the match.

“I don’t have all the information yet. Tchouaméni’s condition is better, but I left early this morning. He is the only player we need to check on, but he is improving. He may participate in today’s training session, while the rest of the players are available.”

The French coach also revealed that FIFA had rejected the French Football Federation’s appeal to overturn Michael Olise’s yellow card.

“Nothing has changed regarding it, according to the notification we received from FIFA.”

Looking ahead to the tactical battle, Deschamps acknowledged Morocco’s strengths and expects a fiercely contested match.

“Despite the change in the technical staff, they maintained their level by reaching the final of the African Cup of Nations. They know my players well, but my players also know them well.”

“Their group is cohesive, and perhaps they made some adjustments to their style, which is normal after a change of coach. We know what awaits us tomorrow.”

Deschamps stressed that France will need to be effective in every area of the pitch if they are to secure a place in the semi-finals.

“We faced strong opponents, and in the quarter-finals the level of competition rises. The keys to the match are represented by several factors, and we will need to be effective on the defensive and offensive side.”

“We will see which team possesses the ball more. It is about strength. The Moroccan coach is preparing, and so am I.”

Despite France’s impressive attacking displays so far in the tournament, Deschamps believes there is still room for improvement.

“We can only attack more. We have high efficiency, but we can be better. The ratio of opportunities to efficiency is also related to the opponents we face. The more efficient we are, the better.”

The 57-year-old also defended Kylian Mbappé after the France captain was subjected to racist abuse by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla following the previous round.

“Mbappé is psychologically fine. I don’t want to go into what happened. He is a very strong person mentally, and he is focused on the Morocco match.”

“Kylian is fine, like the rest of the team, and ready for tomorrow.”

Deschamps concluded by highlighting the importance of team unity, insisting that collective spirit will be crucial in France’s pursuit of another World Cup title.

“Victory will not be achieved by collective spirit alone, but it may cause defeat if it is absent. The only truth is what the players offer on the field.”

“For me, the strength of the group is more important than the individual, no matter how talented he is. The players support each other in difficult times, and that is a real source of strength for the French national team.”

He also dismissed suggestions that France had become overconfident ahead of the quarter-final.

“No, it’s just fun; there is no excessive euphoria. We respect Morocco a lot. Confidence is there, of course, but Morocco has it too.”