France vs Morocco LIVE! World Cup 2022 match stream, latest team news, lineups, TV, prediction today
A place in the World Cup final against Argentina is on the line tonight as France face Morocco in the second semi-final. Lionel Messi starred once again as he led his country into Sunday’s showpiece, and he and his team-mates will be keenly watching tonight.
France are the big favourites to join Argentina in the final, the defending champions having knocked out England in the quarter-finals to reach the last four. It’s been the Kylian Mbappe for much of the tournament, with five goals to his name, but Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann put in displays against England to remind everyone they should not be ignored.
As for Morocco, the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals, it’s been a remarkable run. They’ve beaten Belgium, Spain and Portugal in Qatar so far, and must now deliver against European opposition once again tonight. Follow France vs Morocco LIVE below, featuring expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick, Nizaar Kinsella and Simon Collings at the Al Bayt Stadium!
Live updates
Prediction
It has been a monumental effort for Morocco to get this far, having to lift themselves after beating Spain in the last-16 to then get the better of Portugal in the quarter-finals.
This looks like it could be one match too far for them, particularly with a squad that is now increasingly stretched.
France have shown they do not have to be at their best to get the job done in the tournament, and they look set to reach a second World Cup final in a row.
France to win, 2-0.
Morocco team news
Morocco captain Romain Saiss is an injury doubt after the Wolves centre-back was forced off against Portugal.
Defenders Nayef Aguerd and Noussair Mazraoui missed that game, while Walid Cheddira is suspended after he was sent off for two yellow cards late on in that quarter-final win.
Predicted Morocco XI (4-3-3): Bounou; Hakimi, El-Yamiq, Dari, Mazraoui; Amallah, Amrabat, Ounahi; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal
France team news
France are sweating over two players. Defender Dayot Upamecano and midfielder Adrien Rabiot are both doubtful after missing training on Tuesday due to illness.
The pair were able to complete light training indoors but did not join the full group. Upamecano had already missed Monday’s training session.
Should they be ruled out, Ibrahima Konate would start at centre-back while Youssouf Fofana would deputise alongside Antoine Griezmann and Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield.
Up top, Olivier Giroud is looking to become the oldest player in history to score five goals in a single World Cup.
Predicted France XI (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Konate, T Hernandez; Tchouameni, Fofana; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud
How to watch France vs Morocco
TV channel: In the UK, the match will be televised free-to-air and live on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 6.30pm.
Live stream: Fans can also catch the game live online via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.
LIVE coverage: Follow all of the action LIVE right here, featuring expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick, Simon Collings and Nizaar Kinsella at then Al Bayt Stadium.
Good afternoon!
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of France vs Morocco!
It’s the second semi-final of the World Cup, these two sides facing each other for the right to play Argentina in Sunday’s final.
Defending champions France are the big favourites tonight, but Morocco have already knocked out a number of European heavyweights in Qatar.
We’ll have all the latest build-up, updates and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 7pm GMT from the Al Bayt Stadium.
