Morocco has received strong backing from football fans and stakeholders ahead of its FIFA World Cup quarter-final against France, with many expressing confidence that the Atlas Lions can secure another historic semi-final place.
Football enthusiasts have expressed confidence that Morocco can upset France in Thursday’s quarter-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and secure a place in the last four of the tournament.
Morocco remains the only African nation in the competition following Egypt’s exit after a 3-2 defeat to Argentina on Tuesday.
Football stakeholders who spoke in Abuja on Wednesday acknowledged the quality of the French team but insisted that Morocco has the discipline, organisation and experience to challenge the former world champions.
Chairman of the FCT Football Coaches Association, Godwin Bamigboye, described the encounter as a difficult test but backed the North Africans to produce a positive result.
According to him, France possesses experienced players and remains one of the favourites to win the World Cup, with stars such as Kylian Mbappe capable of deciding games.
Despite France’s strength, Bamigboye said Morocco has developed into a disciplined and competitive side capable of matching the world’s best teams.
He also urged African teams to improve their resilience, concentration and game management if they are to compete consistently at the highest level.
“Football at this level demands discipline, tactical awareness and mental strength. Teams must keep fighting until the final whistle,” he said.
Another football enthusiast, Anas Hassan, said Morocco has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to compete with elite football nations.
He expressed optimism that the Atlas Lions had learned valuable lessons from their defeat to France in the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
According to Hassan, Morocco’s defensive organisation and tactical discipline could frustrate France if the team executes its game plan effectively.
Flamingos Assistant Coach, Abubakar Mansur, also said Morocco’s chances would depend largely on maintaining concentration throughout the match.
He noted that African teams often struggle to cope with sustained pressure from stronger opponents and stressed the importance of avoiding costly mistakes against a quality side like France.
On concerns about officiating involving African teams at major tournaments, Ghanaian journalist Gary Al-Smith urged African sides to focus on delivering performances that leave little room for controversial decisions to influence the outcome.
He argued that African teams should dominate matches whenever possible to minimise the impact of contentious refereeing calls.
Al-Smith also encouraged African teams to adopt the mentality of legendary Ghanaian boxer Azumah Nelson, who famously advocated winning decisively rather than relying on officials.
Morocco will face France on Thursday at Boston Stadium in the United States, aiming to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals for the second time.
The Atlas Lions made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the tournament’s semi-finals.
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