World Cup 2026: Brahim Diaz vows to give everything as Morocco target semi-final against France

Morocco forward Brahim Diaz says the Atlas Lions will approach their World Cup quarter-final against France believing they can win, insisting he will give everything to help his side reach the last four.

Speaking ahead of Thursday’s meeting with France, Diaz said Morocco’s confidence has been strengthened by the resilience shown in the previous round and that the squad is fully focused on securing another historic result.

“We showed an exceptional mentality and proved what we are capable of achieving,” Diaz said.

He pointed to Morocco’s ability to adapt during the last match as further evidence of the team’s character.

“In the second half, we changed the way we played, came back strongly into the match, and managed to win,” he said. “This is our character and this is our mentality.”

Full focus on France

With a place in the World Cup semi-finals on the line, Diaz said the entire squad is determined to keep Morocco’s remarkable campaign alive.

“We want to keep moving forward,” he said. “Tomorrow, we have a very important match, and everyone wants to play it and contribute to achieving the goal.”

The Real Madrid attacker also acknowledged the challenge of facing France and club teammate Kylian Mbappe, describing him as one of the world’s outstanding players.

“As for Kylian Mbappe, he is a great player with exceptional qualities,” Diaz said.

However, Diaz stressed that friendships will be put aside once the match begins.

“We will meet tomorrow on the pitch, and both sides will go into the match aiming to win,” he said. “For my part, I will give everything I have to help Morocco secure victory.”

Hakimi praised as squad unity highlighted

Diaz reserved special praise for captain Achraf Hakimi, describing him as a player who continues to demonstrate his quality every time he represents Morocco.

“I only have words of praise for Achraf Hakimi,” Diaz said. “I am very happy for him, because he proves his value and quality as a player every time.”

Reflecting on their celebration after Morocco’s previous victory, Diaz said it was simply an emotional response to an important result.

“In that moment, I was extremely happy that we got the win, and that is what pushed me to celebrate with him,” he said.

He added: “I am proud to play alongside him and win with him.”

Diaz also highlighted the togetherness within the Morocco squad, crediting the team’s unity and commitment to following head coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s instructions.

“I am very happy to be part of this national team, because we all support each other and work very seriously to apply the coach’s instructions,” he said.

“That is why I feel proud and happy to be a teammate of a great player like Achraf Hakimi.”

Morocco face France knowing victory would send the Atlas Lions into the World Cup semi-finals for another historic milestone. While Diaz acknowledged the quality of the European side, his message was clear: Morocco have respect for their opponents, but they are travelling onto the pitch with only one objective to win.