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THE FACTS
When is France vs Morocco on and what time does it start? France vs Morocco will take place on Wednesday 14th December, 2022 – 19:00 (UK)
Where is France vs Morocco taking place? France vs Morocco will take place at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar
Where can I get tickets for France vs Morocco? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for France vs Morocco
What channel is France vs Morocco on in the UK? France vs Morocco will be televised live on BBC / France vs Morocco will be televised live on ITV
Where can I stream France vs Morocco in the UK? France vs Morocco can be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app / France vs Morocco can be streamed live on the ITV Hub
THE LOWDOWN
FRANCE
- France came through a massive challenge in their bid to retain the World Cup in the quarter-finals, defeating England 2-1 in a game which could so easily have gone against them on another day, but Les Bleus did what champions so often do and found a way to win.
- Unlike Morocco, France have no suspensions to deal with and with no reported injuries, Didier Deschamps is expected to name an unchanged starting line-up for the third straight knockout fixture.
MOROCCO
- Morocco’s magical World Cup run continues as they came the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final after beating Portugal by a goal to nil, meaning that they have now shut out Croatia, Belgium, Spain and Portugal across the tournament so far, an amazing feat.
- After being taken off the pitch on a stretcher against Portugal, defender Romain Saiss must be considered a huge doubt for the semi-finals, but both fellow centre-back Nayef Aguerd and full-back Noussair Mazraoui are likely to be available after missing the quarter-final, however forward Walid Cheddira is suspended.
THE TEAM NEWS
FRANCE
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud
UNAVAILABLE: L. Hernandez (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
MOROCCO
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Bounou; Hakimi, Yamiq, Aguerd, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal
UNAVAILABLE: Cheddira (Suspended) Harit (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Aguerd (Fitness), Mazraoui (Fitness), Saiss (Injured)
THE KEY STATS
- France and Morocco have met five times previously, all in friendly matches, with three wins for France and two draws. This is their first encounter since a 2-2 draw in Paris in November 2007
- This is France’s sixth appearance in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals in their last nine participations in the finals
- France are the first FIFA World Cup holders to reach the semi-finals since Brazil in 1998
- France have won their last three FIFA World Cup semi-final matches inside of 90 minutes (1998, 2006 and 2018). They had been unsuccessful in their previous three World Cup semi-final encounters (1958, 1982 and 1986)
- France are featuring in successive World Cup semi-finals for the second time, having previously done so in 1982 and 1986
- France have been successful in 15 of their last 17 FIFA World Cup knockout round ties (including one penalty shootout win)
- France have won ten of their last 12 FIFA World Cup matches (D1 L1)
- France have won each of their last six FIFA World Cup knockout stage matches
- The last time that France were involved in extra-time in a World Cup match was in the 2006 final against Italy
- France have only failed to score in one of their last 14 FIFA World Cup knockout stage matches
- France have won three and lost three of their previous six FIFA World Cup matches against African nations. Their only previous knockout stage match against African opposition was a 2-0 win v Nigeria in the round of 16 in 2014
- Hugo Lloris has become the all-time leading appearance-maker for France with 143 international caps. He has also made the most appearances in FIFA World Cup matches for France with 18
- This is only Morocco’s second time in the knockout stage. At the 1986 finals, they became the first African team to progress beyond the first round now they have become the first African nation to reach the semi-finals
- Morocco are only the third nation outside of Europe or South America to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup, following USA (1930) and Korea Republic (2002)
- Morocco are the 25th nation to compete in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup. They are the only nation in the semi-finals of this edition who had yet to feature in the semi-finals
- Morocco are unbeaten in their last six FIFA World Cup matches (W3 D3). This is their best unbeaten streak at the finals
- Morocco have kept four clean sheets in five matches at Qatar 2022 and of all the remaining teams they have the best defensive record with just one goal conceded.
- Morocco are unbeaten in their four matches against European nations at Qatar 2022 (W2 D2), all without conceding a goal
- Morocco have lost only four of their last 15 FIFA World Cup matches against European nations (W4 D7)
- Morocco are unbeaten in their last ten international matches (W7 D3)
- Morocco have kept eight clean sheets in their last nine international matches
THE PREDICTION
How long can Morocco keep this truly wonderful run going? Their defensive performances continue to amaze and the quality of opposition they have kept at bay is a testament to their ability and sees them deservedly enter the semi-finals having conceded the least number of goals across the tournament so far. France meanwhile, have now scored 11 goals over the course of their five matches played, including five in the knockout stage. The quality and attacking ruthlessness of not only Kylian Mbappe, but also Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud, will make them extremely difficult to shut out. You must also factor in the Saiss injury sustained against Portugal and whilst he could still feature in the semi-finals, his questionable fitness could see a drop in his performance level. The high calibre of firepower among the French side should see them break through this mean Moroccan backline, but don’t expect the Atlas Lions to roll over even if they do concede. Back France to win, but also consider backing under 2.5 goals scored over 90 minutes.
TIP: FRANCE TO WIN & UNDER 2.5 GOALS