The Atlas Lions face France in the 2026 World Cup, after defeating Canada 3-0 in the round of 16, and Morocco hopes to reach the semifinals.

Who is Ayoub Bouabdi?

Ayoub Bouabdi played for most of France's youth teams, before changing his sporting nationality to Moroccan, and has played 7 games with the Atlas Lions, without scoring any goals.

Samir Merabet, the midfielder

Samir Merabet started his career in futsal, before joining the Strasbourg academy, and has previously represented the French under-19 futsal team.

Issa Diop, the defender

Issa Diop was born in France to a Senegalese father and a Moroccan mother, making him eligible to represent three national teams, and has played for all of France's youth teams, before joining the Atlas Lions after changing his sporting nationality.

Morocco hopes to defeat France in the upcoming match, after defeating Canada 3-0 in the round of 16, and defeating Senegal 3-0 on January 18, 2026, and the Atlas Lions are in good shape after achieving 4 wins and 1 draw in their last 5 games, and will face France on July 9, 2026