Preview: France vs Morocco | Latest news, line-ups, absences (09/07/2026)
Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch France vs Morocco in the World Cup quarter-finals
France and Morocco meet in Boston on Thursday, July 7, in one of the standout quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, with a place in the last four at stake.
France arrive after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16. Didier Deschampsâ side were made to work in a physical, bad-tempered match, but Kylian MbappĂ© converted a 70th-minute penalty to send Les Bleus through.
Morocco, meanwhile, produced one of the most impressive displays of the knockout stage by beating Canada 3-0 in Houston. Azzedine Ounahi scored twice after half-time, with Soufiane Rahimi adding a third deep into stoppage time to end the co-hostsâ run.
This is also a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when France beat Morocco 2-0 in Qatar. Four years later, Morocco have another chance to test themselves against one of the 2026 World Cup favourites.
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France have won all five of their matches at this World Cup, but the Paraguay game was a reminder that the knockout rounds can become uncomfortable quickly. Mbappé remains their decisive player and now has seven goals at the tournament, while Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola and Manu Koné are among the players carrying yellow-card risk ahead of a potential semi-final.
Deschamps has several tactical options. DĂ©sirĂ© DouĂ© won the penalty against Paraguay and could push for more minutes, while Oliseâs creativity between the lines remains important against a Moroccan side likely to defend compactly.
Morocco arrive with huge momentum. Their win over Canada was not built on possession dominance, but on organisation, patience and clinical finishing. Ounahiâs midfield runs changed the game, while Rahimi again showed his value in decisive moments.
Mohamed Ouahbi is expected to keep faith with the structure that worked against Canada, although Chadi Riadâs fitness remains a question after he had been a doubt before the Round of 16.
France
Deschamps is expected to remain close to the team that edged past Paraguay. Mike Maignan should continue in goal, with Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne forming the back four. Aurélien Tchouaméni is doubtful after missing last game due to thigh injury, meaning that Manu Koné could start again in the midfield alongside Adrien Rabiot. Mbappé remains the focal point of the attack, supported by Ousmane Dembélé and either Barcola or Doué.
Morocco
Morocco are likely to use much of the team that beat Canada. Yassine Bounou should continue in goal, with Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui expected to start in the back line. Issa Diop and Redouane Halhal started against Canada, while Chadi Riad could come back into consideration if fully fit. In midfield, Ounahiâs two goals against Canada make him impossible to leave out. Bilal El Khannouss and Neil El Aynaoui also started that match, with Sofyan Amrabat available as an experienced option if Morocco want more defensive control. Meanwhile, Ismael Saibari is a major injury doubt, with Rahimi expected to fill in should his teammate miss out.
Teams H2H: Head-to-head stats
France have generally had the better of this fixture, although Morocco have often made the meetings competitive. The most significant match came in the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when France won 2-0 through goals from Theo HernĂĄndez and Randal Kolo Muani. Morocco will see this quarter-final as a chance for revenge, although the latest France vs Morocco odds favour Deschamps’ side.
Recent meetings:
- 14/12/2022: France 2-0 Morocco (FIFA World Cup)
- 16/11/2007: France 2-2 Morocco (International friendly)
- 06/06/2000: Morocco 1-5 France (King Hassan II Tournament)
- 20/01/1999: France 1-0 Morocco (International friendly)
Predicted line-ups
France are expected to stick close to the side that beat Paraguay, while Morocco should also reward many of the players who started the 3-0 win over Canada.
Tactical analysis: Can Morocco keep up with Franceâs pace?
France will expect to have more of the ball, but Morocco will not mind defending for long spells if they can protect the centre and break quickly.
The key battle is the one between former teammates Mbappé against Hakimi. They know each other extremely well, and Morocco will need Hakimi to defend aggressively without losing his discipline. If Mbappé finds space to run, France can change the game in seconds.
Moroccoâs best route may come through midfield timing and quick counters. Ounahiâs late runs hurt Canada, while Brahim DĂaz can carry the ball into dangerous areas. If France overcommit, Morocco have the speed and technical quality to punish them.
France must also be careful with their discipline. Several players are one booking away from suspension, which could affect how aggressively they press or challenge in midfield.
Key players to watch
Kylian Mbappé (France)
MbappĂ© remains the defining player of Franceâs tournament. His penalty against Paraguay took him to seven goals and once again showed his ability to decide tight knockout matches. Morocco will try to close space around him, but MbappĂ© only needs one moment. Whether attacking the left channel, moving centrally or arriving at the back post, he remains Franceâs most dangerous weapon. MbappĂ© anytime goalscorer will be short, so France to win and MbappĂ© to score may offer better value. If you want a bolder angle, MbappĂ© first goalscorer vs Morocco is tempting given how often France look for him early.
Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco)
Ounahi was the star of Moroccoâs win over Canada, scoring twice and constantly arriving in dangerous areas from midfield. His energy, timing and ability to find space between lines make him vital to Moroccoâs hopes. Against France, he will have more defensive responsibility, but his forward runs could still be Moroccoâs best way to surprise Deschampsâ side. Ounahi to register a shot on target looks interesting after his two-goal display against Canada.
Where to watch France vs Morocco in the UK and Ireland
France vs Morocco kicks off at 21:00 BST on Thursday, July 9 at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on ITV1, and available for streaming on ITVX.
In the Republic of Ireland, the match will be available live through RTĂ and RTĂ Player.
Betting tips for France vs Morocco
France are clear favourites to reach the semi-finals according to World Cup betting experts. Current markets imply approximately a 68% chance of a France win inside 90 minutes, compared to around 13% for Morocco, while the draw is rated at roughly 19%.
Morocco have the organisation, belief and counter-attacking quality to make this difficult, and their 3-0 win over Canada showed they can punish teams ruthlessly. France, however, have greater depth, more knockout experience and the tournamentâs most decisive forward. Expect Morocco to frustrate them for long spells, but MbappĂ© and France should find a way through.
Prediction: France 2-1 Morocco
