Match preview: France vs Morocco

France will attempt to book their place in a third straight FIFA World Cup semi-final when they face Morocco at Boston Stadium on Thursday.

Didier Deschamps’ team won the competition in 2018 before finishing second four years later, losing the 2022 final to Argentina after defeating Morocco in the semi-finals. A victory this time would see Les Bleus become just the third country to reach the last four in three consecutive tournaments, matching the achievements of Germany and Brazil.

France faced their biggest challenge of the tournament so far in the last-16 stage against Paraguay. The match was tense and physical despite the South Americans avoiding any yellow cards, as they tried to disrupt France’s rhythm and unsettle their opponents.

However, Les Bleus remained composed and eventually secured a 1-0 victory, with Kylian Mbappé converting a penalty in the 70th minute. The goal moved Mbappé to seven strikes at the tournament, putting him level with Erling Haaland and just one behind Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.

Mbappé and Olise drive dangerous French attack

Mbappé has been one of France’s most influential players at the World Cup, adding two assists to his goal tally while also creating 12 chances for his teammates. Only Michael Olise has produced more chances for Les Bleus, while Olise also leads the team in defensive line-breaking passes with eight.

The attacking duo have played a major role in France’s impressive performances, with Olise achieving a rare statistical milestone. The midfielder became the first player since Brazil legend Zico in 1978 to record more than 10 successful dribbles, over 10 open-play chances created, and over 10 through balls during his debut World Cup campaign.

France has also benefited from the form of Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé, helping the team extend their winning run in competitive matches to seven games. Deschamps’ side have won 11 of their last 12 competitive fixtures, with their only exception being a draw.

A victory over Morocco would give France eight consecutive competitive wins, something they have not achieved since a 14-match streak between September 2002 and June 2004.

Last 5 France matches stats

Morocco rely on Díaz and Hakimi before major test

Morocco will face a difficult task trying to stop France’s attacking momentum, especially if Ismael Saibari is unavailable. The midfielder scored in every group-stage match but was forced off during the first half of the 3-0 last-16 win over Canada because of a thigh problem.

If Saibari cannot recover in time, the Atlas Lions will need Brahim Díaz and Achraf Hakimi to continue producing decisive performances. Since the beginning of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Díaz has been Morocco’s most productive player in terms of goal contributions, registering six goals and four assists across all competitions.

Hakimi has also been a key creative figure. Over the past two World Cups, no defender has created more chances than the Moroccan full-back, while his 15 chances created at this tournament represent the highest total by an African defender in a single World Cup edition since 1966.

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi also has another fitness concern in Chadi Riad, who missed the victory over Canada after suffering a knee injury during Morocco’s last-32 triumph against the Netherlands.

Last 5 Morocco matches stats

Previous meetings and key concerns ahead of clash

France may need to adjust their lineup due to several injury concerns. Manu Koné could continue in midfield if Aurélien Tchouaméni fails to recover from the groin issue that kept him out against Paraguay, while William Saliba also battled through that match despite a back problem.

Deschamps will hope Saliba is available as France look to reach a semi-final meeting with either Spain or Belgium.

The previous World Cup encounter between these nations came in the 2022 semi-finals, which was their first competitive meeting. Goals from Théo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani ended Morocco’s memorable run and sent France into the final.

Across all competitions, France have never lost to Morocco in their six meetings, winning three times and drawing on two occasions in the other five encounters before the World Cup semi-final.

Despite that record, France will remain cautious. Three of their six World Cup defeats this century have come against African opponents, meaning they have suffered more losses against African teams during this period than against European or South American sides combined.

Past H2H Results

Prediction and expected outcome

France enter this quarterfinal as the favourites due to their recent World Cup success, attacking depth, and remarkable consistency in major tournaments. Didier Deschamps’ team has shown the ability to handle difficult situations, and the individual brilliance of Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, and their attacking partners gives them multiple ways to threaten opponents. Morocco, however, has already demonstrated that they can compete with the world’s best, combining defensive discipline, physical strength, and dangerous creativity through players such as Brahim Díaz and Achraf Hakimi. The Atlas Lions will look to slow the tempo, remain compact, and use quick transitions to challenge France’s defence. The match is expected to be closely contested, with Morocco capable of frustrating their opponents for long periods, but France’s experience in knockout matches could prove decisive. Les Bleus are likely to have more possession and attacking opportunities, while Morocco will rely on organisation and counter-attacking moments to stay alive.

Prediction: France 2-1 Morocco

Expected outcome: A narrow France victory that sends Les Bleus into another World Cup semi-final, while Morocco’s performance further highlights their ability to compete at the highest level. France have the stronger squad on paper and greater experience in these situations, but Morocco’s resilience and recent tournament form mean a surprise result cannot be ruled out.