Ed Dove

Brahim Diaz enters Morocco’s World Cup quarterfinal against France after rebuilding his reputation following a missed penalty that overshadowed his standout AFCON performance. His creativity and four assists have made him a key figure in Morocco’s tactically evolved, technically refined team under coach Mohamed Ouahbi. The matchup features subplots involving Real Madrid teammates, with Diaz aiming to outshine Kylian Mbappe through influence rather than headlines. Morocco face long odds, but Diaz’s resurgence and humility have helped drive their strong tournament run, giving him a chance to complete a striking redemption arc.

Morocco will be without key forward Ismael Saibari for the World Cup quarterfinal against France due to a hamstring injury sustained in the victory over Canada. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed that Saibari is out for the match but not the remainder of the tournament. Saibari has been a pivotal performer, contributing crucial goals throughout the competition and recently completing a major transfer to Bayern Munich. Soufiane Rahimi is expected to replace him, while defender Chadi Riad appears ready to return after missing the previous match. Morocco face France for the first time since their 2022 semifinal defeat.

Members of Senegal’s World Cup delegation remain stranded in Seattle five days after the team’s elimination, as government-arranged travel failed to materialize and many officials still lack confirmed flights home. Players departed via commercial flights, while support staff face continued delays attributed to administrative disruptions linked to a recent cabinet reshuffle and a lack of preparation for an early tournament exit. The Senegalese Football Federation announced a planned charter arrival in Dakar, though uncertainty persists and some officials have been relocated after their lodging expired.