Joel Huiqui is no longer interim: he is now the coach of Cruz Azul

The decisive duel

France and Morocco meet this Thursday at Gillette Stadium in Boston, with the aim of advancing to the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. For the Atlas Lions, the match represents an opportunity for revenge after losing 2-0 to the Blues in the semifinals of Qatar 2022.

FIFA appointed Argentine Facundo Tello as central referee, accompanied by his compatriots Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chade. The decision was made after Frenchman Francois Letexier’s controversial performance in Argentina’s 3-2 win over Egypt, but coach Didier Deschamps downplayed its importance.

“Our rival is Morocco, not the referee,” said Deschamps.

France faces uncertainty over Michael Olise, whose yellow card against Paraguay was ratified by FIFA despite the claim of the French Federation. If he receives another warning, the attacker would miss a possible semi-final. Deschamps highlighted Moroccan potential and called for efficiency in both areas.

Morocco would maintain the base that beat Canada 3-0 in the round of 16, with Achraf Hakimi as leader and figures such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui and Azzedine Ounahi in midfield.

“We are ready, whatever the opponent,” said coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

Both teams arrive undefeated. France has 14 goals for and two against; Morocco is looking for its first victory against the Blues, who dominate the record with four wins and two draws. The winner will face the winner of the duel between Spain and Belgium in the semis.

Relay on the tricolor bench

The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) made official this day the appointment of Rafael Márquez as the new technical director of the National Team. The appointment comes after participation in the 2026 World Cup and the departure of Javier Aguirre, fulfilling the plan drawn up in August 2024.

“You have a good base, you have young and experienced players, who are going to be important in this transition stage. It is not time to slow down, but to accelerate,” Márquez declared in an official interview.

Historical continuity

For the first time in Mexican soccer, a coach takes the reins of the Tricolor after a World Cup to follow up on the project. Márquez, who was Aguirre’s assistant during the process towards 2026, assured that he will take advantage of that continuity.

“I am excited and eager to make the Mexican player better,” said the former captain of the national team in five World Cups.

The commissioner of the FMF, Mikel Arriola, explained that the decision is part of the Sports Project 2030. Márquez asked the fans for confidence: “I am committed to raising the level of the team.”

Atlas Reaction

The club that trained Márquez, Atlas, dedicated a message to him: “All the success in this new stage! Let’s continue leaving the red and black colors at the top, ‘Kaiser’.”

Márquez debuted with the Zorros in 1996 and closed his career in 2018 after a return in 2016. Now, with an award-winning career as a player, he begins his time as Tricolor strategist.

From euphoria to concentration

The Belgian team left the celebrations and controversies behind after beating the United States 4-1. Now, the Red Devils focus all their attention on Spain, their rival in the World Cup quarterfinals.

The team trained in Los Angeles with renewed confidence. After coming back against Senegal and dominating the hosts, Belgium faces its most demanding test: a Spain that has yet to concede a goal in the tournament.

“We gained a lot of confidence. We knew it would be a difficult match against the United States, but we performed well in defense and attack,” declared goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

No distractions

The controversies of the previous game were left behind. The dance that several players performed, associated with President Donald Trump, generated comments, but the team assures that it only celebrated the victory.

“There are different ways to celebrate. We only celebrate the victory,” explained full-back Diego Moreira.

Courtois clarified that he was not present in the locker room during the celebrations because he was undergoing anti-doping control.

Change of headquarters and focus

Belgium moved its training session from Wednesday after considering that the assigned fields did not meet standards. The Royal Belgian Football Association issued a statement on the matter.

Looking ahead to Friday’s match at SoFi Stadium, the Belgians assume the role of underdogs. Courtois recalled the victory against Brazil in Russia 2018 as a precedent.

“They were favorites, but now we are a great team. The match against Senegal showed our ability to believe until the end,” he said.

Belgium trusts in its collective game to challenge a Spain that is unstoppable.