Live coverage, text updates and build-up from our full text commentary stream as Mbappe’s France face Morocco.
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Reporting from Boston Stadium
In contrast to the demeanour of their Moroccan counterparts, the French supporters have been relatively quiet but with an air of confidence and acknowledgement that their team are the favourites.
I’ve spoken to a few Les Bleus fans, who admitted that Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and co will be under immense pressure to progress.
But they were quick to point out that up until now, their boys have taken the expectations in their stride and delivered the results.
Three more to go, they say.
France topped Group I with a perfect record of nine points, winning against Norway, Senegal and Iraq. They thrashed Sweden 3-0 in the round of 32 before beating a stubborn Paraguay side 1-0 in the last-16.
Reporting from Boston
You’ll find a Morocco shirt wherever you look in Boston.
After the party they put on last night, it’s not surprising to see Morocco fans out and about downtown today.
Whether it’s cafes, hotels, public transport or the streets – there’s a Morocco shirt to be seen all around the city.
We won’t know the division of fan support at the match until the Boston Stadium fills out completely, but we can expect plenty of red.
Catch the latest match highlights from the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America:
Reporting from Boston Stadium
It’s half past noon here in Boston and we’re about three-and-half hours away from kickoff in the first quarterfinal of this World Cup.
The sun is beating down on the host city with temperatures of 31 degrees Celsius (88F) and a clear blue sky.
The temperature will drop by a few degrees once the match gets under way, but the teams will definitely be playing in hot weather today.
Hello, welcome and thanks for joining our live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 clash between France and Morocco.
The 48-team tournament has been whittled down to eight and this match is the first of the quarterfinals.
France are the big favourites to win the tournament after being runners-up to Argentina at Qatar 2022.
On their way to the final, they beat Morocco in the semis, becoming the first African nation to reach the last four of a World Cup. The Atlas Lions had already competed in the quarterfinals there for the first time in their history.
The expectation is that France will progress once again, but Morocco will be keen to build on their continental crown, which they won earlier this year – and exact revenge for the events of four years ago.
I’m Kevin Hand and I’ll bring you all the pre-match build-up, analysis, team news and photo coverage before kickoff.
Adam Hancock will then take you through our comprehensive minute-by-minute live text commentary.
Latest match highlights, reaction and previews from the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America.
Form guide on the final eight teams as they battle it out for the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy in the United States.
How the World Cup has changed over the past 50 years and why there are only flashes of the beautiful game in 2026.
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