The Moroccan midfielder also set another milestone by becoming the first African player to make five FIFA World Cup appearances before turning 20.

FIFA 2026: Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi becomes second-youngest player after Pele to feature in WC quarter-final

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi says the Atlas Lions are aiming to win the World Cup and are not thinking about how far they have already come ahead of the France clash.

FIFA 2026| 'Bonus is to win World Cup': Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi eyes France upset in quarter-final

Former Moroccan player and coach Karim Bencherifa believes that the entire world, apart from the French supporters are rooting for Morocco ahead of the delicious semifinal contest between the two sides on Wednesday at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Qatar.

Exclusive: Morocco has given hope to all, says Karim Bencherifa ahead of the semifinal clash

Morocco have been the standout story of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals of Football's showpiece event. The Atlas Lions have beaten Belgium, Spain, and Portugal over the course of the tournament and take on defending champions France with the entire Arab world also willing them on. Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo spoke to football coach Karim Bencharifa ahead of the game to understand how this dream run has electrified Morocco.

FIFA World Cup: France vs Morocco