Three France players who could make impact off bench vs Morocco in FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final

France and Morocco faced each other in the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals.

Two-time champions France are set to take on Morocco in the quarterfinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Les Blues are just one win away from reaching their third consecutive tournament semi-finals, where they will face either Belgium or Spain.

France have won all five of their games so far in regular time, scoring 14 goals and conceding only two. Currently seen as one of the favourites for the FIFA World Cup title, the two-time champions are in top-notch form as they clash with the Atlas Lions on Thursday, July 9.

The two sides faced each other last time in the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup. Morocco had an impressive campaign in Qatar, eliminating Portugal and Spain en route to the semifinals, where they lost 2-0 to Les Bleus.

However, in the last few years, Morocco have solidified themselves as an African heavyweight, and are expected to give France their biggest challenge of the summer competition so far. Didier Deschamps will field a strong playing XI; nevertheless, here is a list of three substitutes who might decide the game off the bench.

Also Read: France vs Morocco – Top five players to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-final clash ft. Kylian Mbappe & Achraf Hakimi

3. Malo Gusto

Malo Gusto has been the only defensive substitution made by the two-time champions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Chelsea defender plays as a late substitute for Barcelona right-back Jules Kounde.

Gusto has had few opportunities under Didier Deschamps in the summer competition; however, in that very short stint, he has made an impact, thanks to his reliable accuracy and efficiency in creating chances.

2. Rayan Cherki

Rayan Cherki has played less than 90 minutes in total across five matches in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. The Manchester City attacker only arrives in the game as a late substitute for Ousmane Dembele, who has recorded four and two assists in the summer competition so far.

However, in the side’s last game against Paraguay, the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner struggled to carry the ball into the final third and utilise goal-scoring opportunities. In that case, Deschamps could put his bet on Rayan Cherki.

1. Bradley Barcola

Bradley Barcola has featured in all five games for France at the FIFA World Cup, earning one start in the group stage and two in the knockout round. However, Didier Deschamps has preferred starting Desire Doue over his PSG teammate on the left wing against Morocco.

Barcola has scored two goals and has provided one assist in five games while solidifying himself as one of the most effective dribblers of the side. Thus, he can make a chance coming off the bench.

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