France and Morocco face off in a highly anticipated World Cup semifinal, pitting the defending world champions against the tournament's underdog story. The match promises to be a historic encounter, with Morocco aiming to become the first Arab or African nation to reach a World Cup final.
How to Watch
For viewers in the United States, the match will be broadcast on Fox Sports and streamed online via FIFA+.
Unfortunately, in the UK, the match is not televised. However, it can be streamed online via FIFA+.
Team Overviews
France
Despite missing several star players, France has emerged as a favorite to win the World Cup. Their play has been marked by speed and attack, led by the dynamic Kylian Mbappe. Antoine Griezmann directs the game with precision, while Olivier Giroud brings experience to the attacking line.
France's journey to the semifinals has included scoring 11 goals and conceding only five, showcasing their formidable talent. They have flair, consistency, and muscle.
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Morocco
Morocco has been a revelation in this World Cup, defying expectations with their strong defensive record. They have allowed just one goal in the tournament. Their place in the semifinal isn’t down to luck, it’s down to sheer hard work, grit, determination and talent.
Morocco has the hopes and dreams of the entire Arab world. They've claimed some notable scalps on their way here - Belgium, Spain and Portugal were all talked about as serious contenders for the title.
The Atlas Lions' defense is anchored by Romain Saiss, with Achraf Hakimi providing a threat on the right flank. Sofyan Amrabat controls the midfield, while Youssef En-Nesyri, Hakim Ziyech, and Sofiane Boufal contribute in attack.
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Key Players
- Kylian Mbappe (France): The young starlet leads the French team with 5 goals and 2 assists.
- Antoine Griezmann (France): The all-round playmaker directs the game with pinpoint precision.
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): The world-class right-back is dangerous going forward.
- Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco): The midfielder controls the middle of the pitch.
- Yassine Bounou (Morocco): Bono made 3 stops in the win over Portugal and had several saves in the penalty shootout victory over Spain.
Team News
- Walid Cheddira is suspended for Morocco after being sent off in the win over Portugal.
- Romain Saiss is a potential injury concern for Morocco in defence.
- It’s not yet clear if Nayef Aguerd and Noussair Mazraoui will be fighting fit in time for Wednesday’s match.
- France has no suspensions among their team to worry about.
Tactical Approach
Morocco will be looking to slow the game down, control and neutralise the pace of Mbappe, and frustrate France into lapses of discipline or skill. When in possession, they’ll be hoping to put the ball at the feet of Achraf Hakimi, Mbappe’s teammate at Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech, to see if the star pairing can make a little more magic for Morocco.
France’s play has been hallmarked by speed and attack.
Read also: France and Morocco: A History
U-20 World Cup Semifinal
In the U-20 World Cup, Morocco qualified for the grand final after overcoming France in a tense semifinal decided by a penalty shootout. After 120 minutes, the score remained a tight 1-1.
The only goal of the 90 regulation minutes came in the 31st minute, after a penalty in favor of Morocco. Although Yassir Zabiri's shot was saved, the rebound ended up hitting the French goalkeeper, Lisandru Olmeta, who inadvertently sent the ball into his own net.
France responded in the second half, with Lucas Michal scoring the equalizer in the 59th minute. The score remained unchanged during the 30 additional minutes, thanks largely to the solidity of both goalkeepers.
In the penalty shootout, Morocco displayed remarkable composure, winning 4-2 after the Moroccan goalkeeper saved the final French shot.
Road to the Semifinals:
| Morocco | France |
|---|---|
| 10/12: at USA (Win, 3-1) | 10/12: at Norway (Win, 2-1) |
| 10/9: vs South Korea (Win, 2-1) | 10/8: at Japan (Win, 1-0) |
| 10/4: at Mexico (Loss, 1-0) | 10/5: at New Zealand (Win, 6-0) |
| 10/1: at Brazil (Win, 2-1) | 10/2: at USA (Loss, 3-0) |
| 9/28: vs Spain (Win, 2-0) | 9/29: vs South Africa (Win, 2-1) |
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