Former France midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes Les Bleus have the quality needed to defeat Morocco and continue their pursuit of a third FIFA World Cup title.
The 1998 World Cup winner has tipped Didier Deschamps‘ side to emerge victorious in Thursday’s quarter-final despite warning that the Atlas Lions will provide one of France’s toughest tests of the tournament.
France reached the last eight after edging Paraguay in the Round of 16, while Morocco booked their place with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Canada, setting up a repeat of the teams’ memorable 2022 World Cup semi-final.
The clash has been widely billed as one of the standout fixtures of the quarter-finals, with Morocco aiming to continue another historic campaign for African football.
Speaking to BOYLE Sports ahead of the match, Petit acknowledged the strengths of the Moroccan side, particularly their defensive organisation and ability to attack quickly on the counter.
“It will be a difficult game for France. Morocco will drop back as a unit, but they have quality in transition with fast, technical players. We have to be very careful.
“France has enough quality to beat them. I expect a fight on the pitch, especially Achraf Hakimi against Barcola or Doué, they know each other well from PSG.
“It is special because many are friends in life. However, France has all the weapons needed to score against any team, whether through transition, individual brilliance, or build-up play. France will win it. I would say 3-1.
“France have everything needed to win the World Cup. The game against Paraguay was like England against Mexico or Argentina against Egypt, qualifying was very difficult. Mentally, and in terms of confidence, it’s a huge bonus for the whole team.”
Petit believes France’s attacking quality gives them an advantage as they prepare to face a Morocco side that has once again captured the imagination of football fans across Africa.
The Atlas Lions have continued to build on the momentum created by their historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, reinforcing their reputation as one of the continent’s strongest national teams.
For Morocco, the quarter-final represents another opportunity to make history and challenge one of the tournament favourites.
A victory over France would not only avenge their defeat to Les Bleus in Qatar four years ago but also extend another remarkable World Cup campaign for African football.
France, meanwhile, arrive with confidence after progressing through the knockout stages and remain among the leading contenders for the title.
