FIFA WC 2026: 'France have unbelievable depth,' says Chhetri before Morocco quarterfinal
Synopsis
India icon Sunil Chhetri has picked France to win FIFA World Cup 2026 — and his reasoning cuts to the heart of what makes Deschamps' squad so formidable. 'If one superstar is unavailable, another superstar comes in,' he said. As France and Morocco renew their 2022 semi-final rivalry in the last eight, the Atlas Lions will need to prove Chhetri wrong.
Key Takeaways
Sunil Chhetri has tipped France to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 , citing their squad depth and consistency in major tournaments.
France face Morocco in the quarter-final — a rematch of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final, which France won 2-0 .
Chhetri highlighted that France's bench quality is as formidable as their starting XI: 'Very few teams in the world have that luxury in every position.' Kylian Mbappé , Ousmane Dembélé , and Michael Olise are expected to lead France's attack, while Achraf Hakimi and Sofyan Amrabat are Morocco's key players.
Morocco are aiming to become the first African nation to reach back-to-back World Cup semi-finals.
India football legend Sunil Chhetri has backed France to lift the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy, citing the side's extraordinary squad depth and all-round quality ahead of their high-stakes quarter-final against Morocco. Chhetri, serving as an expert analyst for the tournament's broadcast coverage, made the remarks as the two sides prepare to renew one of the competition's most compelling recent rivalries.
Chhetri's Case for France
'How do you bet against France? They have speed, stamina, experience, trophies and unbelievable depth. If one superstar is unavailable, another superstar comes in. Very few teams in the world have that luxury in every position,' the former India captain said.
Chhetri elaborated that France's strength runs far deeper than their first-choice eleven. 'Think about it — the players who start, the players who come off the bench, even some of the players not playing regularly are world-class. France have consistently performed in major tournaments, and it's difficult to see many weaknesses in this team,' he added.
A Rivalry Revisited
France and Morocco last met at the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, where Les Bleus ended the Atlas Lions' historic run with a 2-0 victory. Morocco — the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final — return to the last eight four years later with a point to prove. France, meanwhile, arrive as one of the tournament's strongest title contenders, looking to reinforce that status with a place in the semis.
Tactical Battle in Prospect
The quarter-final is set up as a compelling chess match. France are expected to dominate possession and use the pace of their wide players to stretch Morocco's compact, well-organised defence. The Atlas Lions, in contrast, will look to absorb pressure and punish France on swift counter-attacks — a blueprint that has served them well throughout the tournament.
Set-pieces are likely to be a key battleground, with both teams carrying significant aerial threat. Kylian Mbappé remains France's primary match-winner, while Ousmane Dembélé's directness and creativity could be the key to unlocking Morocco's defensive structure. Michael Olise and Adrien Rabiot are expected to control the midfield and limit the transitions Morocco thrive on.
Morocco's Weapons
For Morocco, captain Achraf Hakimi remains their most dangerous attacking outlet from right-back, combining defensive solidity with the ability to drive forward and create. Sofyan Amrabat will be tasked with disrupting France's rhythm in midfield, while Brahim Díaz's creativity and Ismael Saibari's finishing could prove decisive if the Atlas Lions are to reach another World Cup semi-final and rewrite the script from 2022.
What's at Stake
A victory for France would cement their status as tournament favourites and set up another semi-final appearance — potentially their third in four World Cups. For Morocco, progress would represent not just a sporting milestone but a historic statement for African football. The quarter-final kicks off what promises to be the most dramatic stage of FIFA World Cup 2026.
Point of View
Not individual brilliance, and that blueprint is intact. The more interesting question is whether France's reliance on Mbappé's moments of genius creates a single point of failure that Morocco's disciplined midfield can exploit. If Amrabat neutralises the space Mbappé needs, this quarterfinal may be tighter than the pundits expect.
NationPress
9 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Sunil Chhetri say about France at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Sunil Chhetri backed France to win the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying their squad depth is unmatched. He noted that even France's bench players are world-class, making it very difficult to bet against them in major knockout rounds.
When do France play Morocco in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal?
France and Morocco are set to meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final. The exact match date falls in the knockout stage of the tournament, with both sides having progressed through earlier rounds.
What happened the last time France and Morocco met at the World Cup?
France beat Morocco 2-0 in the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, ending the Atlas Lions' historic run as the first African nation to reach that stage. Morocco return to the quarter-finals in 2026 looking to go one step further.
Who are the key players to watch in the France vs Morocco quarterfinal?
For France, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Adrien Rabiot are expected to be central. For Morocco, captain Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, Brahim Díaz, and Ismael Saibari are the players most likely to influence the outcome.
Who is Sunil Chhetri and why does his opinion matter?
Sunil Chhetri is India's most-capped footballer and all-time leading goal scorer, widely regarded as the country's greatest football player. He is part of the expert analysis panel for FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast coverage, lending authority to his tactical assessments.
