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

Can Kylian Mbappe lead France to their third consecutive FIFA World Cup semi-final?

Two-time FIFA World Cup winners France and AFCON champions Morocco will face each other in the first quarterfinal of the 2026 edition at the Boston Stadium. Since 2022, the Atlas Lions have beaten the likes of Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands in the World Cup. Hence, France will have to be at their best. 

Morocco are unbeaten in their last 34 games while France are on a six-match winning streak.

Here are five players to watch who will have a massive influence in the France vs Morocco quarterfinal game in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

5. Kylian Mbappe (France)

One of the most in-form players in the FIFA World Cup 2026, Kylian Mbappe has led France like a true captain. Mbappe has scored seven goals. He has two assists to his name as well, with goal contributions coming in all five games. 

Kylian Mbappe has taken 26 shots in this World Cup and has completed nine dribbles. The 27-year-old Real Madrid player is lethal with his pace on counterattacks. Stopping him will not be easy under any scenario for the Atlas Lions. 

4. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

Moving from the French captain to the Moroccan national team captain, Achraf Hakimi is already a legend in his nation. The Paris Saint-Germain star has one goal and two assists to his name, aside from 25 defensive contributions and 21 recoveries. 

Hakimi is one of the best-rated players in this World Cup. Aged 27, the Moroccan is at the peak of his footballing career just like Mbappe. Achraf Hakimi will have a big part to play against France both in defence and attack.

If he is at his best, Morocco might spring a big surprise in Boston. 

3. Ousmane Dembele (France)

The current Ballon d’Or winner has shown in this World Cup exactly why he was voted as the best player in the world. Ousmane Dembele has scored four goals and has two assists to his name. He has been the best partner to Mbappe in attack. 

Dembele has had 25 touches in the opposition box in this World Cup. His pace and intelligence have helped France really stretch out the opposition defenders. Expect nothing but the best from the Ballon d’Or winner once again. 

2. Brahim Diaz (Morocco)

Ismael Saibari is doubtful for the quarterfinal match against France. He picked up a hamstring injury in the 3-0 win over Canada. Owing to this, Morocco’s main attacking responsibilities will fall to Brahim Diaz. 

The Real Madrid player has four assists in five 2026 FIFA World Cup games; however, he has just taken five shots in the entire tournament, something he would have to look into against France.

Brahim Diaz has won 16 duels. He has made 18 recoveries in this tournament. He will need to take his attacking game even higher against France. 

1. Michael Olise (France)

With the media focusing mainly on Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise has slightly gone under the radar with the French national team. However, Olise has been great throughout the 2026 World Cup. He has five assists to show for that. 

The 24-year-old completed 11 dribbles. He has also won 26 duels while playing as the attacking midfielder for his nation. Expect Olise to focus on creating big chances for his forwards.

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