Morocco and France on the FIFA World Cup™ stage on Thursday, almost four years after their historic semi-final in Qatar. Few understand the significance of that reunion better than Morocco winger Zakaria Aboukhlal, who featured in the 2-0 defeat that ended the Atlas Lions' remarkable run.
Aboukhlal appeared as a second-half substitute against Les Bleus as Morocco became the first African and Arab nation to reach the last four of a World Cup. While not selected for the 2026 tournament, he has still been keeping a close eye on the Atlas Lions’ progress, having played with many of the current squad.
Aboukhlal still vividly recalls the 2022 encounter with France. Despite going 1-0 down early on to Theo Hernandez’s opener, he insists the Atlas Lions never felt out of the contest, though Les Bleus eventually doubled their lead through Randal Kolo Muani and hung on for a 2-0 win.
"I remember the intensity and the feeling that we were still in the game,” Aboukhal tells FIFA in an exclusive interview. “Even though we were behind, we kept believing and pushing.
"France were difficult because they punish every small mistake. They have speed, experience and players who can decide a match in one moment. Sometimes you feel you are in control, but one transition can change everything."
Despite the defeat, Morocco were given a heroes’ welcome on their return to Rabat. Aboukhal says the remarkable run to the semi-finals injected a belief into players and fans alike that has stayed with the Atlas Lions since.
“It meant a lot. Not only for the players, but for the whole country and Moroccans all over the world," the Torino winger reflects. "I think it changed the belief around Moroccan football. Before, people maybe hoped Morocco could compete with the biggest nations. Now everyone knows Morocco belongs at that level."
That shift in mentality has been evident throughout Morocco's campaign in North America, according to Aboukhlal. Having watched from afar, he has been struck by the composure of Mohamed Ouahbi’s side. Asked what has impressed him most, the winger is unequivocal.
"The maturity. They look calm, confident and together,” Aboukhal says. "They don't look surprised to be at this stage. They want to play to their own strengths no matter who the opponent is. We saw it against Brazil and the Netherlands."
That confidence will face its sternest examination yet against a France side Aboukhlal believes cannot be reduced to one superstar, despite the inevitable focus on Kylian Mbappe.
"Of course Mbappe is one of the best players in the world, so you have to be aware of him. But France are not only Mbappe. They have quality everywhere.
"Morocco will have to defend together, stay compact and not give France too much space in transition. But they also have to be brave with the ball. Against France, you cannot only survive. You need moments where you make them defend as well."
Aboukhlal, who scored in the 2-0 group stage victory over Belgium on his World Cup debut in 2022, believes Morocco's progress since Qatar has been driven by an effective blend of experienced heads and hungry young talent.
This has included successfully filling the void left by the retirement of Romain Saiss, national team captain four years ago, after the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. The likes of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, defender Noussair Mazraoui and new skipper Achraf Hakimi are all influential figures in the dressing room.
"Of course Romain was a big leader but this team has more leaders now,” Aboukhlal explains. “Bono is one of them, and you also have players like Mazraoui and Hakimi who understand what it means to represent Morocco. Bono gives calmness to the team. In big games, that is very important. He has experience, he communicates well and the players trust him.
"People know Noussair’s quality already, but I think what he gives Morocco is very important. He is calm on the ball, intelligent in his positioning and he can play in different roles. In big matches you need players who understand the game and stay composed under pressure. He has that. He gives balance and experience to the team.”
Among the leading lights of a new generation of Moroccan talent to emerge since the last World Cup are Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari, who have been key attacking outlets for the Atlas Lions in North America.
"Brahim gives a lot of creativity,” Aboukhlal says. “He can receive between the lines, keep the ball under pressure and find the pass that hurts the opponent."
On Saibari, he adds: "It's very difficult to follow him when he drops into midfield. If he misses the game against France, of course it is a blow, because he has been important. But Morocco's strength is the group. Someone else will have to step up."
Watching this World Cup from home has not been easy, but Aboukhlal’s support for the squad has never wavered.
"Of course it is difficult,” he admits. “As a player, you always want to be there, especially when it is your country and you know you could have competed for a place if things were different. But this is football. I support the boys fully. They are my brothers, they represent all of us, and I am proud of what they are doing.
"I believe everything happens for a reason, so I keep working and Inshallah there will be more moments in the future."
Morocco will be underdogs again against a star-studded France side in Thursday’s quarter-final, but Aboukhlal feels there is still a great opportunity for the Atlas Lions to progress and make it to a second successive World Cup semi-final.
"It would be massive, but more than that it would show that Morocco has continued on the path they started in 2022,” Aboukhlal says. "They have already proven they built something special, and now they are showing consistency at the highest level.
"It would confirm that Morocco is not just capable of one great tournament, but that they can compete with the best again and again."
Sources: FIFA Official
