As Rabat and Algiers compete for influence, closer ties with one now carry consequences for relations with the other.
![The French prime minister's first official foreign trip highlights how Paris and Rabat are translating a diplomatic rapprochement into deeper cooperation on security, defence and investment [Photo by Marc Piasecki/Getty Images]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/GettyImages-2278672333-1784118281.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![El Youbi, born in 1992, is widely known in Morocco and across North Africa for his politically-conscious rap songs that rose to fame during the early 2010s. [File: Mehdi El Youbi support committee]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/photoehdi1-1784059429.jpeg?resize=554%2C513&quality=80)
Morocco were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup by a 2-0 defeat by France in the quarterfinals, but host next edition.
UK police confront Morocco fans over unrest after World Cup loss
Morocco came to the quarterfinal with high hopes and revenge on their minds, only to be met with the in-form team.
From individual milestones to national numbers, several records have tumbled in Mbappe’s historic World Cup run.
Reporting from Paris, Al Jazeera’s Natacha Butler captures the electric atmosphere after France beat Morocco.
France beat Morocco 2-0 in quarterfinals at FIFA World Cup 2026 and will meet Spain or Belgium next.
Title favourites France face African champions Morocco, as football’s 2026 World Cup enters the last-eight phase.
Do fans still trust referees and VAR at the World Cup?
Ismael Saibari will miss the match against France in Boston due to a hamstring injury sustained last week.
