01Sound smart about this

1. This is a straight rematch of the 2022 World Cup semifinal, which France won 2-0. Morocco were the story of that tournament — the first African or Arab team ever to reach a World Cup semifinal — and they've spent three and a half years waiting to run it back. Same opponent, same stage, higher stakes.
2. France are dealing with a banged-up midfield engine room. Aurélien Tchouaméni (thigh) is unlikely to play, and Marcus Thuram has been out since the calf injury that cost him the last two rounds. France have won anyway — five games, plenty of goals, almost nothing conceded — largely because Kylian Mbappé (7 goals) and Ousmane Dembélé are in ruthless form.
3. Morocco's own fitness drama centers on Ismael Saibari, who completed a reported move to Bayern Munich mid-tournament and then limped off after 22 minutes against Canada with a hamstring strain. A follow-up scan was encouraging — a minor strain, not serious — and he's traveling with the squad, but he's a game-time call. Even without him, Azzedine Ounahi (a brace vs. Canada) and Achraf Hakimi are dangerous.

02Players to actually watchtap a line to copy

Kylian Mbappé (em-bah-PAY)

France · Forward

The fastest, most decisive attacker on the planet and the man who scored twice in the 2022 final. He's on 7 goals here, one behind Messi in the Golden Boot race, and his penalty beat Paraguay in the Round of 16. If France score, he's probably involved.

Say this“Mbappé's one goal off Messi for the Golden Boot — this is his stage to take the lead.”

Ousmane Dembélé (oo-SMAHN dom-buh-LAY)

France · Winger

France's in-form second engine, running at defenders off either foot — a nightmare for a Morocco back line that likes to defend deep and spring counters. His hat trick blew out Norway in the group stage.

Say this“Dembélé off the wing is the guy who stretches Morocco's defense so Mbappé gets space.”

Achraf Hakimi (ASH-raf hah-KEE-mee)

Morocco · Right-back

Morocco's captain and best player, a PSG full-back who attacks like a winger. He'll spend the night in a personal duel with Mbappé — his own club teammate — up and down that flank. Whoever wins that matchup probably wins the game.

Say this“Hakimi vs. Mbappé is the whole match — PSG teammates who know each other cold.”

Azzedine Ounahi (oo-NAH-hee)

Morocco · Midfielder

Scored twice in the 3-0 dismantling of Canada and has been Morocco's creative heartbeat. He's the one who turns solid defending into actual chances — the difference between Morocco surviving France and beating them.

Say this“Ounahi's brace against Canada is why Morocco aren't just here to park the bus.”

03Ask thistap to copy

04Opinions you can safely have

• France are clear favorites, but this is exactly the kind of disciplined defend-and-counter team that can drag a favorite into a nervy one-goal game.
• Morocco can't just sit back for 90 minutes — at some point they have to actually threaten France, and that's the hardest part.
• Whoever wins this has earned a brutal semifinal against Spain or Belgium — there are no easy games left.

05Jargon of the match

06The call

France have too much firepower over 90 minutes, but Morocco make them sweat for it. France 2-1 — Mbappé decides it late, and it's closer than the favorites wanted.