Morocco XI vs France – Predicted lineup and team news

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·9 Juli 2026

Morocco XI vs France – Predicted lineup and team news

Morocco face France at Boston Stadium on Thursday evening in the World Cup quarter-finals, looking to go one further than their historic semi-final appearance in 2022.

Mohamed Ouahbi’s side are unbeaten in 34 matches and have beaten the Netherlands on penalties and Canada 3–0 in the knockout rounds to reach this stage. France ended their Qatar 2022 run with a 2–0 semi-final win. Morocco have never beaten France in six attempts. They will attempt to change that record without their leading scorer.

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Morocco team news

Ismael Saibari will not play. Ouahbi confirmed at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference that the Bayern Munich forward has not recovered from the hamstring injury he sustained in the 22nd minute of the Canada win.

Saibari scored three group-stage goals, converted the decisive penalty against the Netherlands and was the defining individual of Morocco’s campaign before his injury. His absence fundamentally changes the dynamic of Morocco’s attack.

Chadi Riad is also a doubt. The centre-back missed the Canada match entirely with a knee injury and his availability for Thursday has not been confirmed. Redouane Halhal stepped in against Canada and is expected to start if Riad does not make it. Hakimi, Diop, Halhal and Bilal El Khannouss all carry yellow cards into this fixture — a booking for any of them would rule them out of a potential semi-final.

Soufiane Rahimi starts up front in Saibari’s absence. The 30-year-old came on after 22 minutes against Canada and scored in stoppage time to seal the 3–0 win. He offers a physically different profile to Saibari — less dynamic in behind but more effective in the box. Brahim Díaz retains his role from the right, coming narrow to allow Achraf Hakimi to push forward.

Díaz has four assists at this World Cup, the African record for a single tournament. Azzedine Ounahi, who scored twice against Canada, continues in the number ten position behind the front line. Bilal El Khannouss provides pace and creativity from the left. Neil El Aynaoui and Ayyoub Bouaddi form the double pivot. Yassine Bounou continues in goal.