France vs. Morocco: Match Preview | OneFootball

The 2026 FIFA World Cup enters a decisive new stage this Thursday, July 9, as France and Morocco face off at Gillette Stadium in Boston in the quarterfinals. In a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semifinal in Qatar, both teams will look to keep their title hopes alive by advancing to the final four.

Below is all the key information you need to know before the France vs. Morocco game. Let’s get into it.

Paraguay vs. France

Kickoff: 4:00 pm ET/1:00 pm PTGillette Boston Stadium, FoxboroughWatch on FOX, Telemundo and fuboTV

Didier Deschamps’ side, one of the favorites to lift the trophy, heads into this matchup after a hard-fought win over Paraguay. The South Americans did their best to neutralize France’s attacking firepower, but a second-half penalty converted by Kylian Mbappé proved to be the difference.

Morocco, meanwhile, had to withstand heavy pressure in the first half against Canada but kept a clean sheet thanks to another outstanding performance from Bono. The Atlas Lions sealed a 3-0 victory after the break with a brace from Azzedine Ounahi and another goal from Soufiane Rahimi. The winner of this quarterfinal will face either Spain or Belgium in the semifinals.

Morocco boasts quality and an attack capable of troubling any opponent, but it will face a difficult challenge against a ruthless French side that has impressed throughout the tournament. The Atlas Lions’ defense will need a near-perfect performance to contain Didier Deschamps’ attacking options, especially an in-form Mbappé who sits second in the Golden Boot standings, with 7g/2a.

On the assist front, France’s Michael Olise leads the tournament with five. But behind him is Morocco’s Brahim Díaz, sitting on four. Both would love dearly to add to that tally.

France: Team News & Predicted Lineups

France’s biggest injury concern is Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who is dealing with an adductor injury and missed the Round of 16 win over Paraguay.

According to Deschamps’ coaching staff, Tchouaméni is expected to train separately until at least Tuesday, making his availability for Thursday’s quarterfinal highly unlikely.

AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné replaced him in the starting lineup against Paraguay, although he enters this match one booking away from suspension after receiving a yellow card in that game.

Marcus Thuram is also considered a doubt by the French Football Federation, although no details have been provided regarding his physical issue.

Lucas Digne appears to have overtaken Theo Hernández, now with Saudi club Al-Hilal, as France’s first-choice left back. In attack, Bradley Barcola is expected to start on the left wing, with Désiré Doué providing an option off the bench.

France predicted XI vs. Morocco: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Koné, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Barcola; Mbappé.

Morocco: Team News & Predicted Lineups

Morocco could be without Ismael Saibari, the team’s leading scorer at the tournament with three goals, after he was forced off in the 22nd minute of the Round of 16 victory over Canada.

The Bayern Munich midfielder appeared to suffer discomfort in his right thigh, with the injury believed to be consistent with a hamstring strain.

If Saibari is unavailable, Soufiane Rahimi is expected to replace him as the central striker, having come off the bench to score against Canada.

The midfield pairing of Ayyoub Bouaddi and Neil El Aynaoui, one of the tournament’s breakout duos, is expected to remain unchanged. Bouaddi, just 18 years old, has displayed remarkable composure beyond his years with his ball distribution and defensive positioning.

Morocco predicted XI vs. France: Bounou; Hakimi, Riad, Diop, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; B. Díaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Rahimi.

Match prediction: France 2-2 Morocco (France wins on penalties)