World Cup 2026 lineup, stats and preview, TV channel, live streaming online and prediction

A place in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup will be on the line when France and Morocco renew their rivalry at Gillette Stadium in Boston on Thursday.

The match is a replay of the memorable 2022 World Cup semi-final that was won by France, and pits one of the tournament’s favorites against some of Africa’s best.

France come into the quarter-finals in incredible form and are chasing a third consecutive appearance in the last four of the World Cup.

Didier Deschamps’ side cruised through Group I with a perfect record before dispatching Sweden and Paraguay in the knockout stages to extend their winning streak to seven games.

Les Bleus have scored 13 goals in five games in the competition and continue to boast the most dangerous attack in the competition.

France have now won 11 of their last 12 international matches and continue to look every inch the favorites to lift the trophy in New Jersey later this month.

What stands in their way is the Moroccan team that continues to make history in African football.

The Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and are now just one win away from repeating the feat.

Mohamed Ouahbi’s side made it out of Group C before beating the Netherlands on penalties and knocking out fellow Canadians in the round of 16.

Morocco have now gone 10 games unbeaten in all competitions; however history is not on Morocco’s side.

The Atlas Lions have never beaten France in the regular season and lost 2-0 when the teams met in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

World Cup 2026: France v Morocco team news

Aurelien Tchouameni (thigh) is a major doubt for France, but Marcus Thuram (calf) is expected to return.

Ismael Saibari (hamstring) could miss out again for Morocco, who could welcome Chadi Riad who has a knee problem.

France v Morocco World Cup 2026 predicted qualifiers

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 streaming online

Kick-off on Thursday is at 21:00 BST (16:00 ET / 13:00 PT). In the UK, live TV broadcasts on ITV1.

Live streaming via the ITV website and the ITVX app, available on a range of devices for viewing on the go.

World Cup 2026: France v Morocco stats

• There have been six meetings between these teams, resulting in France winning four and drawing two
• Their meeting in the 2022 final was the first competitive meeting between them, with France winning 2-0 thanks to goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani.
• Should France advance, they will become the third country to reach the last four in three consecutive 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 the competition and have won 11 of their last 12 (D1)
• The last time they won eight such games in a row was between September 2002 and June 2004 (14)
• Kylian Mbappe also provided two assists and created 12 chances for France in this World Cup, with only Michael Olise (9) providing the striker with more than eight passes in defense of 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 balls (11) in his first World Cup since Zico from Brazil in 1978.
• African teams have lost twice in their opening five matches at the World Cup, with Morocco participating on both occasions (in 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 Moroccan player in all competitions (6 goals, 4 assists)
• Across the last two World Cups, Achraf Hakimi has created more chances than any other defender (21)
• Hakimi’s 15 chances created in this year’s competition are the most by an African defender in a single edition (since 1966)

World Cup 2026: France vs Morocco Prediction

France are vulnerable in defense which should make for a very exciting and open game, but the World Cup favorites should be too strong for the Atlas Lions.

Prediction: France 4-2 Morocco