Morocco's remarkable journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended on July 10, 2026, with a 2-0 loss to France in the quarterfinals at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The Atlas Lions, who had become the first African team to reach the semifinals in 2022, fell short of repeating that feat.
France took the lead in the 17th minute through Kylian Mbappé, who capitalized on a defensive error. Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead in the 65th minute with a precise finish. Morocco pushed forward in the latter stages but failed to find the net.
Despite the defeat, Morocco's performance in the tournament was widely praised. They topped their group, which included Croatia, Belgium, and Canada, before defeating South Korea in the Round of 16. The team's defensive solidity and counter-attacking prowess earned them plaudits from around the world.
Morocco's run was seen as a triumph for African football, inspiring a new generation of players across the continent. Coach Walid Regragui expressed pride in his team's efforts, stating, 'We gave everything for our country and for Africa. We will come back stronger.'
