France have scored 14 goals so far in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but coach Didier Deschamps on Wednesday urged his players to achieve even greater attacking efficiency when they take on Morocco in the quarter-finals on Thursday.
The encounter is a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when France ended Morocco’s historic run in Qatar, but this time the North Africans are no longer the surprise outsiders, but a confident side aiming for the title.
«We have to be efficient offensively. Both teams have strong assets in all areas,» Deschamps told a press conference.
«We are efficient, but we could have done better in this area. Sometimes you have six chances and you score two goals, and sometimes you have two chances and you score twice. It is more important to be efficient,» he added.
France passed Paraguay in the round of 16 with a sloppy 1-0 victory thanks to a penalty from Kylian Mbappé. The France captain has scored seven goals in the tournament, second behind Argentine Lionel Messi, who has eight.
Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola have given France one of the most dangerous attackers at the World Cup.
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Morocco progressed through the group stage before eliminating the Netherlands and co-hosts Canada and cementing its status as a serious title contender.
«Morocco’s profile is not that of Paraguay. We met them four years ago in the semi-finals,» Deschamps said.
«They have played the final of the AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations). They have top people. They are not here to play. They are here to win. We have to be ready and perform and perform against this great team,» he added.
Deschamps will have to wait and see whether midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who is struggling with a muscle injury, will be fit in time for the match.
«He is feeling better, but I left the hotel early this morning. That’s all I can say. He may take part in training today. All the other players are available,» Deschamps said.
Regarding France’s call for Michael Olise’s yellow card in the match against Paraguay to be rescinded, Deschamps said FIFA had said the warning was in effect. The ruling comes days after the furore caused by FIFA’s decision to suspend a match ban after a red card was given to American player Folarin Balogun and following an intervention by President Donald Trump.
Published on July 8, 2026
