Mbappé responds to racist rant as France prepare for Morocco quarter-final

Mbappé fires back after racist rant, France into the quarters

France are through. Mbappé scored the penalty that beat Paraguay 1–0 in the round of 16, and your team is into a World Cup quarter-final against Morocco on Thursday (7).

Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill guessed the wrong way. France held on. The real story, though, spilled off the pitch.

"You are a despicable woman"

Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla directed racist remarks at Mbappé after the match. He did not let it slide.

"You are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position," Mbappé wrote. "You do not represent Paraguay" (7).

The French Football Federation is now filing criminal charges. "These remarks are criminal and reprehensible," the FFF said. "They must be prosecuted here as elsewhere" (7).

Morocco Thursday, 10pm Paris time

The format is simple now. France faces Morocco in the quarter-finals on Thursday evening (1) (2) (3) (5) (6).

Two subplots are already running hot. Achraf Hakimi, Mbappé's close friend and PSG teammate, has made it plain: they are not friends on the pitch (2). And 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi, who came through every France youth level, now wears the Morocco shirt. Assistant coach Guy Stéphan has accepted it publicly, saying the player should not be blamed.

Morocco believe they can do this. "France are not unbeatable," their camp has said (3).

Argentine referee? Risser says stay cool

Facundo Tello, an Argentine official, will take charge of the quarter-final. That appointment raised eyebrows in the French camp.

Robin Risser's message was direct: "Do not fall into paranoia" (6) (9). No drama. Just play.

Djorkaeff sees a third star

Youri Djorkaeff knows what it takes. The 1998 World Cup winner believes this France squad has everything needed.

"All the weapons to do something incredible," Djorkaeff said Tuesday (8). He is looking at a third World Cup title.

Football tennis in Boston

The mood in camp looks light. Footage from training showed the squad playing football tennis, keeping spirits high ahead of the biggest match of their tournament so far (4).

Fan-reaktioner

French fans online are tense about one thing: all four match officials for the Morocco game are Argentine. The jokes are already flying, with one supporter posting "Congratulations Morocco on making it to the semifinals" alongside the official announcement. See the thread here.