From The Sports Desk: Rivals France and Morocco meet to kick off quarterfinals

World CupFrom The Sports Desk: Rivals France and Morocco meet to kick off quarterfinalsFrance has won all five of its games so far in this tournament. Can it continue its march toward a third-consecutive World Cup final? Or will Morocco pull off an upset? Listen to this article with a free profile00:0000:00Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates Ousmane Dembele's goal during the FIFA World Cup match between against Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium on June 22.Joe Prior / Visionhaus via Getty ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJuly 9, 2026, 10:48 AM EDTBy David HickeyThere’s only one game today, but it’s a big one. France and Morocco renew their World Cup rivalry in the opening game of the quarterfinals, four years after they met in the semifinals. France has played five games this tournament — and won all five. It seems destined to reach its third consecutive World Cup final. Or can Morocco pull off the upset?Subscribe to read this story ad-freeGet unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Have you been following our live blogs? We’ll be providing analysis and insight throughout the game, whether you’re watching on TV or not. Join us! World Cup PreviewAfter yesterday’s day off (boring, wasn’t it?), we’re back in action with Morocco carrying Africa’s hopes against tournament favorite France, a repeat of the 2022 semifinal.This French team is in even better shape than the one that beat the Atlas Lions 2-0 four years ago, with London-born Bundesliga Player of the Season Michael Olise pulling the strings. He has registered five assists this World Cup, more than any player at the tournament.Les Bleus are also the tournament’s joint top goal scorers, alongside champion Argentina. Kylian Mbappé has seven goals (one behind Lionel Messi) and Ousmane Dembélé has four. He went goalless in Qatar.The French aren’t just about attacking flair. In overcoming an ultraphysical Paraguay 1-0 in the round of 16, the team also showed steel in sweltering conditions.Michael Olise...