World Cup 2026: Guy Stéphan says Morocco will pose a very different challenge for France

France assistant coach Guy Stéphan believes Morocco will provide a completely different challenge from Paraguay as Les Bleus prepare for Thursday’s World Cup quarter-final with a place in the last four at stake.

Speaking two days before the meeting in Boston, Stéphan said France had emerged stronger from their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16, describing the contest as an important test of both the team’s character and resilience ahead of the next stage of the tournament.

France had enjoyed a relatively controlled path before facing Paraguay, but Didier Deschamps’ side were forced to work relentlessly to secure their place in the quarter-finals against determined opponents.

The match demanded significant physical and mental effort from the French squad and, according to the coaching staff, also featured several refereeing decisions that proved frustrating.

Stéphan revealed that the French Football Federation has lodged an appeal against the yellow card shown to Michael Olise during the match. Three French players received bookings compared with one for Paraguay, prompting the federation to seek a review of Olise’s caution.

Despite those frustrations, the France assistant believes the encounter provided valuable lessons for a youthful squad preparing for the latter stages of the World Cup.

“Playing a match of this intensity at this stage of the competition is very enriching. It gives us answers about the players’ ability to cope with such adversity.”

Stéphan also praised the discipline shown by the players during an emotionally charged contest.

“It was a match where it was easy to lose your temper, but nobody cracked. That’s a real sign of maturity, especially with such a young group.”

Attention has now turned fully towards Morocco, who booked their place in the quarter-finals after another impressive tournament campaign. Stéphan expects a completely different tactical examination against the Atlas Lions compared with the challenge posed by Paraguay.

He highlighted Morocco’s organisation, defensive strength and ability to punish opponents on the counter-attack, warning that France must be prepared for a different style of football.

“We are going to face a completely different team. Morocco is very well organized, solid defensively, and particularly dangerous in transition.”

The French coach also underlined the quality within the Moroccan squad, insisting that the team’s success is built on both collective discipline and individual talent.

“This is a team with many strengths, both collectively and individually. There is no doubt about its quality.”

Stéphan also provided an update on the fitness of two key members of the France squad ahead of Thursday’s encounter.

Marcus Thuram is expected to return to full training after missing France’s previous two matches because of a calf injury, offering encouragement for Deschamps’ selection plans.

Aurélien Tchouaméni, however, remains doubtful as he continues to recover from the adductor injury he sustained before the Round of 16.

“We are monitoring his progress daily. Time is of the essence since the match is on Thursday, but he is continuing his specific training.”

The assistant coach was also asked about racist remarks directed at Kylian Mbappé by a Paraguayan senator following France’s victory over Paraguay. Stéphan strongly condemned the comments.

“It’s disgraceful, despicable, and scandalous.”

With preparations continuing in Boston, France are now focused on overcoming a Moroccan side Stéphan believes possesses the organisation, discipline and attacking quality to pose a very different challenge as both nations battle for a place in the World Cup semi-finals.