The FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals kick off tonight at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with a blockbuster rematch between France and Morocco—two teams that clashed memorably in the 2022 semifinals in Qatar, where Les Bleus prevailed 2-0 on their way to the final.

This time, however, Morocco enters with renewed confidence after demolishing co-hosts Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16, becoming the first team to book their quarterfinal spot in this tournament. Meanwhile, France barely scraped past a resilient Paraguay side, needing a Kylian Mbappé penalty in the 72nd minute to secure a 1-0 victory.

Mbappé's Golden Boot Quest

The Real Madrid superstar has been nothing short of sensational in this tournament. Mbappé has netted seven goals in five matches, now tied atop the Golden Boot standings. His latest goal against Paraguay was his 19th career World Cup goal, moving him past Lionel Messi on the all-time list for players under age 28.

France has won all five of their matches so far, scoring 11 goals while conceding just three. But they face a Moroccan side that has been equally impressive defensively, allowing only two goals in five games while playing with the attacking verve that stunned the world four years ago.

Morocco's Historic Campaign Continues

The Atlas Lions are making back-to-back World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in their history, building on their fairy-tale run to the 2022 semifinals. Against Canada, Brahim Diaz opened the scoring before Morocco added two more goals in a dominant display that ended the co-hosts' tournament in heartbreaking fashion on home soil.

Achraf Hakimi, now facing his former PSG teammate Mbappé, has been instrumental in Morocco's attack from his right-back position. The Inter Milan star brings a personal edge to this matchup, having developed a close friendship with Mbappé during their time together in Paris.

What's at Stake Tonight

The winner will face either Spain or Belgium in the semifinals, both also playing their quarterfinal tomorrow in Los Angeles. For France, a victory would put them within two matches of a third World Cup title. For Morocco, advancement would match their 2022 achievement and potentially set up an all-African semifinal if they meet Belgium, who crushed the United States 4-1 in the Round of 16.

Morocco will need to contain France's potent attack, which features not only Mbappé but also Antoine Griezmann and Marcus Thuram, who has been excellent as France's primary striker. However, there are concerns about Aurélien Tchouaméni's fitness after the midfielder picked up a knock against Paraguay, while Thuram is also being assessed.

For Morocco, midfielder Saibari is a doubt with a hamstring issue, potentially weakening their ability to control the midfield battle against France's technical superiority.

A Tournament of Upsets

This World Cup has already delivered stunning results. Germany was eliminated on penalties by Paraguay in the Round of 32. Brazil fell 2-1 to Norway in the Round of 16. And most dramatically, the host nation United States was dismantled 4-1 by Belgium in what became a nightmare ending to America's tournament hopes.

France will kick off against Morocco tonight at 8:00 PM ET, with coverage on FOX, Telemundo, and FOX One. In a tournament full of surprises, this quarterfinal rematch promises to deliver more memorable moments—and perhaps another upset if Morocco can repeat their 2022 magic one more time.