All eyes will be on Morocco to redeem Africa’s image at the ongoing 2026 World Cup as the Atlas Lions face France in a David versus Goliath quarter-final clash tonight.

Nine of the 10 African countries that qualified for this year’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico reached the knockout stage but with six crashing out in the round of 32, only Morocco and Egypt made it through to the last 16.

With Egypt exiting the competition in the round of 16 after losing 3-2 to Argentina despite taking a two-goal lead, the onus lies on Morocco to redeem Africa’s image and keep the continent in the World Cup by defeating France.

The Moroccans, however, face an arduous task against Les Blues as both teams kick off the quarter-finals at the Gillette Stadium, outside Boston, U.S. in a rematch of the two teams’ 2022 World Cup semi-final meeting.

A defeat for Les Bleus would mark the end of the road for France coach Didier Deschamps, who is stepping down after a successful 14-year reign at the conclusion of the tournament.

Deschamps, one of only three men to win the World Cup as both a player and coach, said on Wednesday that he is paying scant attention to his personal legacy.

“I am not thinking about that at all. In my head, with my staff, the objective is just to do everything we can so that things go well. I am focused on this Morocco team and on things going well for us,” Deschamps said.

He also dismissed concerns shared widely across social media that the choice of Argentinian referee Facundo Tello could spell trouble for his side.

France and Argentina are on a collision course to reach the final in a repeat of the 2022 final won by the South Americans.

“There are always decisions that can lead to debate depending on which side you are on, but our opponents are Morocco,” Deschamps said. “I can’t consider the referee to be an opponent.”

Morocco have the means to test Deschamps’ team, boasting a potent mix of technical quality, physicality and tactical nous under the guidance of coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

“We faced them four years ago in the semi-finals, and they’ve played in an Africa Cup of Nations final,” Deschamps said.

“They are a very, very good team with excellent players — they aren’t here by accident. It’s going to be a clash between two teams that like to have possession, attack, and score goals.”

Morocco’s coach said he did not want a repeat of the 2022 semi-final when both he as a supporter and the players regretted that they had not played to their full potential.

“The key is not to have any regrets,” said Ouahbi, who was appointed earlier this year.

“There are things we can do better. We have to approach this match with the bit between our teeth.”

France Urges Calm From Fans Against Morocco

Meanwhile, France has urged its football fans to be responsible as their team prepares to face Morocco after previous high-profile matches led to unrest.

Morocco won independence from France in 1956 and has a mostly settled relationship with the former colonial power, which is home to hundreds of thousands of Moroccans or French citizens of Moroccan descent.

Several members of Morocco’s national team this year were born in France and play for French clubs.

Team captain Achraf Hakimi was born in Spain but plays for Paris Saint-Germain. Celebrations were mostly peaceful when France beat Morocco in the 2022 World Cup semi-final.

But security forces are to be on alert around France during the game from 10:00 pm (20:00 GMT) on Thursday.

“I appeal to everyone’s sense of responsibility. It has to remain a celebration,” Sports Minister Marina Ferrari told the France Info broadcaster.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has said “no misconduct would be tolerated” after French authorities arrested more than 280 people in Paris over unrest and damage after the PSG emerged victorious against Arsenal in the Champions League final on May 30.