On Thursday in Boston, Morocco will face France in a World Cup quarter-final that carries the weight of unfinished business. Four years ago in Qatar, France ended Morocco's historic run, beating them 2-0 in the semi-final to deny the first African and Arab nation a place in the final. Now they meet again, but this time Morocco arrive not as dreamers but as a side that believes they belong.
"This is a revenge match for the Moroccan national team," said sports journalist Hamza Shteiwy. "Especially for the players who were part of that 2022 squad. They felt that loss deeply, and now they're looking to settle the score - for themselves and for the team."
“Morocco face France in World Cup quarter-final revenge match after press conference fight disrupts Brahim Diaz.”
Morocco's rise since then has been remarkable. Their Under-20 side won the Under-20 World Cup, the senior team climbed to sixth in FIFA's rankings, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation's long-term investment in youth development is bearing fruit. "What happened in Qatar wasn't a fluke," said veteran journalist Hameed Bel Hassan. "It was the result of years of strategic planning and programmes put in place by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. This has been a national project. We now have a formidable national team."
In this tournament, Morocco held Brazil before beating Scotland, the Netherlands and Canada to reach the last eight. Expectations have shifted. "In 2022 we were the dreamers," said Shteiwy. "Now people's expectations are much higher. Anything less than the semi-finals wouldn't be considered an achievement."
Meanwhile, France remain tournament favourites, with Kylian Mbappe leading one of the world's most talented squads.
The buildup was not without drama. During a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz was left stunned when two journalists came to blows. As a question was being asked, one journalist screeched: "But why did you hit me? But why did you hit me? You can't hit me." A press officer tried to restore order, calling out: "Hey, hey, gentlemen, please, gentlemen." The visibly taken aback Diaz struggled to maintain his composure, barely suppressing his smirks and stifled laughter. After order was restored, the press officer said: "Apologies, Brahim - go ahead, thank you." Diaz replied: "I forgot the question!"
The incident captured the tension surrounding a fixture that means so much to Moroccan fans, many of whom have travelled from around the world. Shteiwy said: "There are flights full of supporters coming from Morocco to the United States. Moroccans from around the world have travelled to follow the team. I dare say Morocco will have the stronger support." On the pitch, however, France's quality remains formidable, and Morocco's revenge mission will require more than passion.