Odegaard: “In football anything is possible” against England

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.

Joel Huiqui is no longer interim. After winning the Clausura 2026 and signing for two years with Cruz Azul, the strategist was confident in his new role.

“I waited for it many years ago. I have been working on it from home, since my preparation as a coach. I feel happy. Today, I believe it; officially, I am the coach of Cruz Azul,” he stated.

Huiqui took over the team at a difficult time and won the title. Now, with a signed contract, a new stage begins. The board trusts its project.

The immediate challenge: defend the championship in the Apertura 2026. The fans expect continuity in performance.

With this appointment, Huiqui joins the list of Mexican coaches leading a Liga MX great. His record of perseverance inspires many.

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.