The France national team offered fans a glimpse of their relaxed atmosphere ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Morocco, sharing images of captain Kylian Mbappe and forward Ousmane Dembele embracing and laughing during a training session in Massachusetts.
The photos, posted on the team's official X account before Thursday's last-eight clash, showed Mbappe moving in to hug Dembele, with the pair appearing in a light-hearted mood as Les Bleus completed preparations for one of the tournament's biggest matches.
Ballon d'Or winner Dembele defended by captain Mbappe
Paris Saint-Germain winger Dembele is the current Ballon d'Or winner, and there have been occasional rumors of tension between him and Mbappe. However, the captain fiercely defended Dembele after criticism of his performance against Senegal in the group stage, stating, "He's the Ballon d'Or winner, and has everyone's confidence in the team."
France enter the contest aiming to reach a third consecutive FIFA World Cup semi-final. Didier Deschamps' side has won all five matches so far, topping Group I before overcoming Sweden and Paraguay in the knockout rounds.
France's attacking quartet proves dangerous
Les Bleus were made to work hard against Paraguay in the Round of 16, eventually progressing thanks to a Mbappe penalty. The two-time world champions have scored 13 goals during the tournament, with their attacking quartet of Mbappe, Dembele, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola proving one of the most dangerous in the competition.
Young midfielder Desire Doue has also impressed, winning the decisive penalty against Paraguay with his quick footwork.
Deschamps set to equal World Cup match record
The quarter-final marks another milestone for head coach Didier Deschamps, who is set to manage his 25th FIFA World Cup match, equaling the long-standing record held by Helmut Schon. Deschamps, who will step down after the tournament, is also chasing his 20th World Cup victory as coach.
Morocco seeks to rewrite history
For Morocco, the match presents another opportunity to rewrite history. The Atlas Lions are yet to defeat France in six previous meetings, having lost four and drawn two, including a 2-0 defeat in the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Since then, Morocco have continued their rise on the international stage. Ranked seventh in the world, Mohamed Ouahbi's side finished second in Group C before defeating the Netherlands on penalties in the Round of 32 and overcoming co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16.
Azzedine Ounahi scored twice to inspire the victory over Canada before substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a late third goal. Morocco are now unbeaten in 10 consecutive matches since January's Africa Cup of Nations final and will be looking to extend that run against one of the tournament favorites.
The winners of Thursday's quarter-final will progress to the last four, where they will face either Spain or Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals.
