A place in the World Cup 2026 semi-finals will be on the line when France and Morocco renew their rivalry at Gillette Stadium in Boston on Thursday.
The fixture is a repeat of the memorable 2022 World Cup semi-final won by France, and once again it pits one of the tournament favourites against Africa’s standard-bearers.
France arrive in the quarter-finals in formidable form and are chasing a third consecutive appearance in the last four of a World Cup.
Didier Deschamps’ side swept through Group I with a perfect record before dispatching Sweden and Paraguay in the knockout rounds to extend their winning streak to seven matches.
Les Bleus have scored 13 goals in five matches at the tournament and continue to boast arguably the most dangerous attack in the competition.
France have now won 11 of their last 12 competitive internationals and continue to look every inch one of the favourites to lift the trophy in New Jersey later this month.
Standing in their way is a Morocco side continuing to make history for African football.
The Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022 and are now just one victory away from repeating the feat.
Mohamed Ouahbi’s side emerged from Group C before overcoming the Netherlands on penalties and then eliminating co-hosts Canada in the round of 16.
Morocco have now gone 10 matches unbeaten across all competitions; however, history is not on Morocco’s side.
The Atlas Lions have never beaten France in normal time and lost 2-0 when the sides met in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
World Cup 2026: France v Morocco team news
Aurelien Tchouameni (thigh) is a big doubt for France, but Marcus Thuram (calf) is expected to return.
Ismael Saibari (hamstring) could again miss out for Morocco, who may be able to welcome Chadi Riad back from a knee issue.
France v Morocco World Cup 2026 predicted line-ups
France: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe
Morocco: Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Rahimi.
Where to watch France v Morocco: TV channel, live online streams
Kick-off on Thursday is at 21:00 BST (16:00 ET / 13:00 PT). In the UK, live TV coverage is on ITV1.
Streaming is via ITV’s website and ITVX app, which is available on a vast variety of devices for viewing on the go.
World Cup 2026: France v Morocco stats
- There have been six meetings between these teams, resulting in four wins for France and two draws
- Their semi-final meeting at the finals in 2022 was the first competitive meeting between them, France winning 2-0 through goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani
- Should France advance, they will become the third nation to reach the last four in three successive tournaments, joining Germany (4, from 2002-2014 and 3 from 1982-1990) and Brazil (3, 1994-2002)
- France are on a seven-game winning streak in competitive matches and have been victorious in 11 of their past 12 (D1)
- The last time they won eight such matches consecutively was between September 2002 and June 2004 (14)
- Kylian Mbappe has also contributed two assists and created 12 chances for France at this World Cup, with only Michael Olise (9) providing more than the forward’s eight defensive line-breaking passes for Les Bleus
- Olise is the first player to complete at least 10 dribbles (11), create at least 10 chances in open play (10) and send at least 10 through balls (11) in his debut World Cup since Brazil’s Zico in 1978
- African teams have twice has gone unbeaten in their opening five games at a World Cup, with Morocco responsible on both occasions (2022 and 2026)
- Since the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Brahim Diez has been directly involved in more goals than any other Morocco player across all competitions (6 goals, 4 assists)
- Across the last two World Cup tournaments, Achraf Hakimi has created more chances than any other defender (21)
- Hakimi’s 15 chances created at this year’s competition are the most by an African defender in a single edition on record (since 1966)
World Cup 2026: France v Morocco prediction
France have vulnerabilities defensively that should make for a very entertaining and open game, but the World Cup favourites should have too much firepower for the Atlas Lions.
Prediction: France 4-2 Morocco
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