Three Morocco substitutes who could decide FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final vs France

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

Morocco are then the only African team remaining in the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the quarterfinals get underway. They were drawn in Group C alongside five-time champions Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.

In the first game, they secured a 1-1 draw against the Seleção, but later unleashed the beast by defeating Scotland and Haiti in the other two group-stage clashes. However, their biggest win of the summer competition came in the round of 32, when they defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout.

The Atlas Lions displayed composure while sticking to a disciplined defensive approach to defeat a scary-looking Dutch side. After advancing to the round of 16 for the second consecutive time, they recorded a comfortable 3-0 win over co-hosts Canada.

And now they are set to replay the 2022 World Cup semifinal. Last time, when these two sides met, France secured a comfortable 2-0 win over the North African side. However, this time the tie has the potential to go either way. Without any delay, 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. Gessime Yassine

Gessime Yassine has made only two appearances in the tournament as a substitute; however, he has not failed to have an impact. He made his debut against Haiti, where he scored his maiden goal.

Later, he scored as a substitute on the Atlas Lions’ crucial fixture against the Netherlands. Yassine completed the joint-most dribbles in the game (two); maintained a 90 per cent passing accuracy; and made four defensive contributions. While primarily being an attacker, Yassine can also feature as a box-to-box midfielder for the side.

2. Soufiane Rahimi

Soufiane Rahimi could be the super sub that the Atlas Lions might need while facing France. The 30-year-old brings versatility and energy to the pitch, playing primarily as a striker. He has been used as a substitute in all five games by the Moroccan head coach, Mohamed Ouahbi.

Rahimi has also scored two goals and has assisted one. Thus, the 21-year-old is no stranger to the recipe for changing the game.

1. Chadi Riad

Chadi Riad was named to the starting XI against Haiti, Scotland, and Brazil. However, he was subbed in the round of 32 when Morocco clashed against the Netherlands because he picked up an injury. Amass Salah-Eddine took his place in the defence, and against France, he got the chance to start.

However, if the Atlas Lions need to make a defensive change against the two-time champions, Chadi Riad could be the right choice.

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