France Start Doue Against Morocco in 2026 World Cup Quarterfinal as Mbappe Chases 8th Goal
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 9
France Start Doue Against Morocco in 2026 World Cup Quarterfinal as Mbappe Chases 8th Goal
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 9
Summary
Desire Doue made his third start of the tournament for France, replacing Bradley Barcola in a 4-2-3-1 for the first 2026 World Cup quarterfinal against Morocco at Gillette Stadium.
Morocco made two changes from the Canada win, with injured Ismael Saibari ruled out and Chemsdine Talbi plus Anass Salah-Eddine coming into Mohamed Ouahbi’s starting XI.
Kylian Mbappe led France’s attack alongside Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, entering the match on 7 goals—one behind Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race and within reach of Just Fontaine’s 13-goal record.
France arrived as tournament favorites after winning every match so far, while Morocco had already eliminated the Netherlands and co-hosts Canada to reach another World Cup quarterfinal.
The winner will face Spain or Belgium in the semifinal, with Didier Deschamps also drawing level on a record 25 World Cup matches managed.