France Makes Tactical Change for Quarter-Final Against Morocco
France head coach Didier Deschamps has handed attacking midfielder Desire Doue a starting role in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Morocco, leaving Bradley Barcola on the bench. The match is scheduled for Thursday, July 10, 2026, in Boston, according to a report by Reuters.
The starting XI remains largely unchanged from France's 1-0 Round of 16 victory over Paraguay. Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele lead the attack, with Michael Olise operating in support. Doue replaces Barcola in what Deschamps described as a tactical adjustment.
Morocco's Lineup Changes and Key Absence
Morocco will be without key forward Ismael Saibari, who picked up an injury in their previous match. Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has made two changes to the lineup, bringing in defender Anass Salah Eddine and midfielder Chemsdine Talbi. Brahim Diaz is deployed as a lone striker.
Morocco arrive unbeaten in their last 10 matches since January's Africa Cup of Nations final. They are aiming to secure a first-ever victory over France, having failed to win any of their previous six meetings. Their only competitive encounter came in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, where France won 2-0.
Path to the Semi-Finals
The winners of Thursday's contest will book a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, where either Spain or Belgium await. France, as defending champions, are looking to advance further, while Morocco seeks to make history by reaching the semi-finals for the first time.
Confirmed Lineups
France: Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue; Kylian Mbappe (captain).
Morocco: Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Noussair Mazraoui, Anass Salah Eddine; Neil El Aynaoui, Chemsdine Talbi, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss; Brahim Diaz.
