Tournament favourites France face their biggest test of the World Cup so far as they take on dark horses Morocco in a repeat of the 2022 semi-final.
Didier Deschamps’ side have stamped their mark as the team to beat at this summer’s finals with Kylian Mbappe spearheading an attacking powerhouse that breezed through the group stage and last-32, but they endured a more difficult outing last time out against a Paraguay team intent in deploying underhanded tactics.
Mbappe’s spot-kick proved the difference in a 1-0 win to send them through but France will need to return to their ruthless best against Morocco, who have impressed en route to the quarters and comfortably dispatched co-hosts Canada in the previous round.
The Atlas Lions will also be fuelled by the opportunity to exact revenge on Les Bleus for their 2-0 defeat in Doha, which ended their surprise run to the last-four.
Follow all the latest updates from France vs Morocco with our live blog below:
France vs Morocco LIVE
- France take on Morocco in the first World Cup quarter-final | Kick-off at 9pm, live on ITV1
- The pair clash in a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final which France won 2-0
- Kylian Mbappe hoping to keep pace in golden boot race
- Michael Olise has yellow card appeal rejected by Fifa despite Folarin Balogun precedent
- Ismael Saibari a major doubt due to hamstring blow
How a box-office World Cup descended into fury and farce to leave Fifa with a huge problem
19:14 , Miguel Delaney
As Lionel Messi was lifted into the air, and the Egyptian players sank to the ground, it was a scene beyond most cinema.
Or, as they say here, prime-time TV. This was box office. Any director would have loved all of this, right up to the unique soundtrack of the Argentina fans.
How a box-office World Cup descended into fury and farce
Teams train ahead of quarter-final
19:07 , Chris Wilson
Miguel Delaney Q&A: Ask me anything on Infantino and this World Cup’s crisis of trust
19:00 , Chris Wilson
This World Cup has produced some of the most dramatic football in years, from Messi’s tearful embrace with Lionel Scaloni after Argentina’s last-16 comeback against Egypt, to England’s rollercoaster win over Mexico. But alongside the drama on the pitch, a much bigger story has been building around Fifa itself.
From Gianni Infantino resignation calls to accusations of a “fixed” World Cup, Miguel Delaney will be answering all of your questions between 4pm and 5pm today - submit yours below:
I’ve covered Fifa for years – ask me anything on Infantino’s crisis
World Cup 2026 statistics: What the numbers reveal about the quarter-finalists
18:50 , Chris Wilson
The round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup is over, and it serves up a chance to delve into the numbers behind our quarter-finalists.
Who has taken more shots than Kylian Mbappe? Who has run further than Harry Kane? Who has pressed more than Elliot Anderson? Here is a look at some of the standout statistics from the last eight’s first five games at the World Cup.
World Cup 2026 statistics: What the numbers reveal about the quarter-finalists
Fifa rejects France’s appeal of Olise’s yellow card ahead of World Cup clash with Morocco
18:40 , Chris Wilson
France’s hopes of overturning a controversial yellow card for star midfielder Michael Olise have been dashed, with FIFA upholding the decision, coach Didier Deschamps confirmed on Wednesday. The ruling means Olise now faces a potential suspension for a World Cup semi-final should he receive another booking during France’s quarter-final clash with Morocco on Thursday.
"There was no change when it comes to Olise’s yellow card. We received FIFA’s decision this morning that the yellow card was maintained," Deschamps stated. The French federation had appealed the infraction, issued to Olise in the 97th minute of their 1-0 victory over Paraguay following an altercation with Matías Galarza. While Galarza went to ground, video replays appeared to show Olise merely grasping the Paraguayan’s jersey before he toppled.
Fifa rejects France’s yellow card appeal ahead of World Cup clash with Morocco
Rating all eight nations ahead of the quarter-finals
18:32 , Chris Wilson
1. France 🇫🇷 ↔️
France are the team to beat at this World Cup. While their closest challengers on the other side of the bracket have, so far, been carried by one exceptional superstar, Didier Deschamps has put together a so far untouchable unit powered by its unleashed attacking ranks.
They hit 10 goals in the group stage before adding three more to no reply against Sweden to progress to the last 16 - and while their 1-0 win over Paraguay last time out wasn’t as emphatic as previous results, some leeway can be given due to the - let’s be honest - shameful tactics of the South American side.
Kylian Mbappe’s penalty winner took his all-time World Cup tally to 19 goals - sorry Mirsolav Klose, your record has been blown out of the water twice this tournament.
Rating all eight nations ahead of the quarter-finals
18:25 , Chris Wilson
5. Morocco 🇲🇦 ⬆️
The Afcon (sort of) champions impressed in the group stage, especially in their opening draw against Brazil where they were the better side, but were punished for not scoring big against Scotland or Haiti as they ran out second in Group C, setting up a match with big hitters Netherlands in the round of 32’s most-stacked tie.
Cue a match filled with last drama and one of the most bewildering penalty shootouts in World Cup history, which saw five out of 10 spot-kicks missed - with Morocco the victors. After inflicting one of the two biggest eliminations of the last-32, Morocco have now dumped out one of the hosts in a dominant win over Canada, and are very much succeeding in their bid to prove their 2022 semi-final run was no fluke.
Morocco's early team news
18:15 , Chris Wilson
And here’s Morocco’s early team news too...
Ismael Saibari was substituted early in their last-16 clash against Canada because of a hamstring strain and Soufiane Rahimi could lead the line instead. Centre-back Chadi Riad is a doubt.
Possible Morocco XI: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui; Diaz, Ounahi; El Khannouss; Rahimi.
France's early team news
18:10 , Chris Wilson
Under three hours until kick-off now, so here’s a reminder of France’s early team news...
Aurelien Tchouameni remains a doubt having missed the win over Paraguay with a thigh strain, while reserve forward Marcus Thuram is also injured.
Possible France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe.
The controversial France midfielder enabling Kylian Mbappe to shine at World Cup
18:00 , Mike Jones
Off-field controversy has followed Adrien Rabiot around but the midfielder’s performances have become pivotal to France’s chance of winning the World Cup says Alan Smith.
The controversial France midfielder enabling Mbappe to shine at World Cup
A sign of class
17:50 , Mike Jones
Should they reach the final four, France will become only the third nation to reach the last four in three successive tournaments, joining Germany (4 from 2002-2014 and 3 from 1982-1990) and Brazil (3 from 1994-2002).
France v Morocco
17:40 , Mike Jones
The semi-final meeting in Qatar was the first competitive meeting between France and Morocco.
On that occasion, goals from Théo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani ended the Atlas Lions’ incredible run.
Race for the Golden Boot
17:30 , Mike Jones
Kylian Mbappe is level with Erling Haaland and one behind Leo Messi in what is set to be a captivating race for the Golden Boot.
Mbappe has also made two assists and created 12 chances for France at this World Cup, with only Michael Olise (9) providing more than his eight defensive line-breaking passes for Les Bleus.
WATCH: Why France Are The World Cup's SCARIEST Team
17:20 , Will Castle
Ouahbi: 'We've proven we can hurt any team - there will not be any surprises'
17:10 , Will Castle
“With regards to preparing for the match, there will not be any surprises,” said Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
“I have nothing to hide. I'm not somebody who is keen on surprises, and those of you who have analysed our games, you know that we have a clear idea of how we want to play.
“Of course, the key will be to hurt them when we have possession, but it's not only on the wings. We have to be patient with the ball, and to find where we can go through on the sides or in the centre.
“We’ve proven that we can hurt any team, and that's the goal. But I'm not going to go into too many details.”
Three in a row?
17:00 , Mike Jones
France will be aiming to reach a third consecutive World Cup semi-final when they take on Morocco at Boston Stadium on Thursday.
Les Bleus lifted the trophy in 2018 and were runners-up in 2022, going down to Lionel Messi‘s Argentina after overcoming Morocco in the semi-finals.
World Cup 2026 statistics: What the numbers reveal about the quarter-finalists
16:50 , Lawrence Ostlere
The round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup is over, and it serves up a chance to delve into the numbers behind our quarter-finalists.
Who has taken more shots than Kylian Mbappe? Who has run further than Harry Kane? Who has pressed more than Elliot Anderson? Here is a look at some of the standout statistics from the last eight’s first five games at the World Cup:
World Cup 2026 statistics: What the numbers reveal about the quarter-finalists
Kylian Mbappe's scathing response to a Paraguayan senator's racist attack
16:40 , Will Castle
An ugly story unfolded after France’s last-16 side against an ill-tempered Paraguay side, with a senator from the losing nation going on an abhorrent racist tirade against striker Kylian Mbappe.
Senator Celeste Amarilla took to X to publish a lengthy, racist post, describing Mbappe as a "colonised Cameroonian, desperately trying to pass himself off as French," and a "brute" who had not learned to write.
Mbappe’s response was one of unequivocal denunciation, and the entire footballing world has stood in solidarity with him.
"Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition," he wrote on X.
"Through your recklessness and your brazen racism, the entire world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that your players accomplished during this World Cup, making way for an incompetent woman who gives the worst possible image of her country.
“I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world."
Kylian Mbappe scolds ‘despicable’ Paraguayan senator after racist attack
World Cup injury tracker
16:30 , Will Castle
With Morocco’s Ismael Saibari and France’s Aurelien Tchouameni likely to be absent tonight, here’s a rundown of all the key injuries teams are dealing with heading into the World Cup quarter-finals.
World Cup injury tracker: Henderson’s freak arm break, James recovery and more
Morocco out for revenge?
16:20 , Will Castle
Morocco stunned the footballing world when they stormed to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, stamping their mark as a force to be reckoned with in Qatar.
They were one game away from the most unlikely final appearance, but that dream was ended by France, who they face again tonight.
Theo Hernandez scored early on before Randal Kolo Muani gave France daylight with 11 minutes to play, sending Didier Deschamps side through to a second successive World Cup final - which they of course lost to Argentina.
“Every match is different, has its own context, its own history, and it's not going to be the same as in 2022," Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi said.
“What is important is that now we have a team that is different. We're going to face a different French team than the one from four years ago. Both teams are even better and thats normal because we are two federations, two countries that work very well.”
World Cup 2026 quarter-finals in full
16:10 , Will Castle
With the World Cup quarter-finals kicking off tonight, here’s a reminder off all four ties coming up over the next few days:
Thursday 9 July: France vs Morocco (Quarter-final)
Friday 10 July: Spain vs Belgium (Quarter-final) – 8pm BST
Saturday 11 July: Norway vs England (Quarter-final) – 10pm BST
Sunday 12 July: Argentina vs Switzerland (Quarter-final)
How France’s greatest strength could become their undoing against Morocco
16:00 , Alan Smith
What if France’s greatest strength becomes their undoing? On each irresistible step towards the World Cup quarter-finals, it has been impossible not to marvel at their depth.
Ousmane Dembele having a quiet game? Let’s put on Bradley Barcola or Rayan Cherki. Is there a need to change the defence? No worries, Ibrahima Konate is still sitting there, just 14 minutes of action in his legs. Midfield lacking energy? How about Warren Zaire-Emery or even N’Golo Kante?
Yet Morocco, as European as a non-European team could be, are also benefitting handsomely from Les Bleus’ wealth of options and in Ayyoub Bouaddi, they have very, very recently acquired the game’s newest hot property. A script writer could feel compelled to make him both hero and villain when the nation he represents meets the country he has spent his entire life in Boston on Thursday.
How France’s greatest strength could be their undoing against Morocco
France v Morocco referee: Who is under-fire Argentine official Facundo Tello at World Cup 2026?
15:50 , Will Castle
Argentine referee Facundo Tello will take charge of France’s quarter-final with Morocco and already finds himself at the centre of the latest refereeing controversy to hit World Cup 2026, before a ball has even been kicked.
Fifa has infuriated French fans and media by selecting Tello, as part of a fully Argentine five-man crew, for the clash in Boston on Thursday evening.
It marks the first time this tournament that every match official for a knockout fixture hails from the same nation, and comes at a time where accusations of favouritism towards Argentina are at their peak.
France v Morocco referee: Who is under-fire Argentine official Facundo Tello?
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who will win the golden boot?
15:40 , Will Castle
Golden boot race
15:30 , Will Castle
Lionel Messi has retaken the lead in the golden boot race from Kylian Mbappe, while Erling Haaland and Harry Kane are making a charge as well - can Mbappe re-establish control at the top of the standings tonight?
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 8 goals (1 assist)
2. Kylian Mbappe (France), 7 goals, (2 assists)
3. Erling Haaland (Norway), 7 goals (0 assists)
4. Harry Kane (England), 6 goals (1 assist)
5. Ousmane Dembele (France), 4 goals (2 assists)
= 6. Vinicius Jr (Brazil), 4 goals (1 assist)
= 6. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain), 4 goals (1 assist)
= 6. Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), 4 goals (1 assist)
= 6. Julian Quinones (Mexico), 4 goals (1 assist)
= 6 Jude Bellingham (England, 4 goals (1 assist)
Miguel Delaney Q&A: Ask me anything on Infantino and this World Cup’s crisis of trust
15:20 , Will Castle
This World Cup has produced some of the most dramatic football in years, from Messi’s tearful embrace with Lionel Scaloni after Argentina’s last-16 comeback against Egypt, to England’s rollercoaster win over Mexico. But alongside the drama on the pitch, a much bigger story has been building around Fifa itself.
From Gianni Infantino resignation calls to accusations of a “fixed” World Cup, Miguel Delaney will be answering all of your questions between 4pm and 5pm today - submit yours below:
I’ve covered Fifa for years – ask me anything on Infantino’s crisis
The lasting legacy Didier Deschamps and France could leave with another World Cup crown
15:10 , Richard Jolly
When England completed their extraordinary victory in Mexico City, they reached double figures. It was their 10th win in World Cup knockout games since the 1966 final. A day earlier, a manager reached double figures. France have 10 under Didier Deschamps alone.
There is a case for putting his personal tally at either 13 or 14 – depending on which category games decided on penalty shootouts belong in – when his role as the captain of the 1998 Les Bleus teams is included. France have played in four World Cup finals: two under Deschamps, one skippered by him, one with the remnants of a team he had led from the midfield. He is now a game from the exit or three from the status of the greatest World Cup manager of all.
The lasting legacy Deschamps and France could leave with another World Cup crown
How Michael Olise’s rise is rewriting football’s tactical rulebook
15:00 , Mike Jones
There has rarely been a player who has so quickly become one of the best in the world.
Michael Olise’s World Cup has offered something rarely witnessed in football, and it reflects a shift that England may have to take heed of, writes Miguel Delaney.
How Michael Olise’s rise is rewriting football’s tactical rulebook
A record for Deschamps
14:50 , Mike Jones
This will be Didier Deschamps’ 25th game as a manager at the World Cup, equalling the record total of Helmut Schön (25 between 1966 and 1978).
Making history
14:40 , Mike Jones
Morocco are unbeaten in this edition of the World Cup.
Only twice has an African team gone unbeaten in their opening five games of a World Cup, with Morocco doing so on both occasions (2022 and 2026).
Can they improve against France, the team that ended their run in 2022?
Deschamps not worried about refereeing standards
14:30 , Mike Jones
France collected three yellow cards in their previous round during a testy match against Paraguay.
The South American side received none.
Didier Deschamps was asked for his thoughts on the standard of refereeing at the World Cup.
"It is out of our control," he said.
"I trust the refereeing. … Some refereeing decisions may lead to discussions. It really depends on everyone’s opinion.
“Our opponent is Morocco, not the referee. The referee is there to apply fairly the laws of the game."
Deschamps not thinking about end of tenure
14:21 , Mike Jones
Didier Deschamps is leaving his position as France manager at the end of the World Cup campaign and with the team now in the knockout rounds any match could be his last.
But he is not thinking about stepping away just yet and has his sights set on beating Morocco tonight.
"Thank you for your concerns. But I do not think about it," he told the media when asked what he will do after France go out.
"The last game could have been the last one. In my head, with the technical staff, we want to win. That’s the objective.
“In a football game there are many possibilities when it comes to [the[ result. … I’m focused on the Moroccan team so we can win that game."
Inside the French revolution that forged a generational World Cup team
14:12 , Mike Jones
France are proving their worth as ‘one of the best attacking teams ever’ and, as Miguel Delaneywrites, they look primed to go all the way at the 2026 World Cup
Inside the French revolution that forged a generational World Cup team
Latest odds on World Cup winner
14:00 , Mike Jones
With only eight teams left in the World Cup the odds have shortened on potential winners.
France have been one of the favourites to win the competition since the beginning but England’s victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium has given them a boost.
Check out the latest odds for who can win the World Cup:
Rating all eight nations ahead of the quarter-finals
13:54 , Will Castle
1. France 🇫🇷 ↔️
France are the team to beat at this World Cup. While their closest challengers on the other side of the bracket have, so far, been carried by one exceptional superstar, Didier Deschamps has put together a so far untouchable unit powered by its unleashed attacking ranks.
They hit 10 goals in the group stage before adding three more to no reply against Sweden to progress to the last 16 - and while their 1-0 win over Paraguay last time out wasn’t as emphatic as previous results, some leeway can be given due to the - let’s be honest - shameful tactics of the South American side.
Kylian Mbappe’s penalty winner took his all-time World Cup tally to 19 goals - sorry Mirsolav Klose, your record has been blown out of the water twice this tournament.
Rating all eight nations ahead of the quarter-finals
13:48 , Will Castle
2. Spain 🇪🇸 ↔️
Spain came into this tournament as the favourites but didn’t exactly show that right from the outset, unlike their two main challengers either side of them in these rankings. That frustrating opening 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in Group H delivered one of the early shocks of the World Cup, though with Lamine Yamal back fit in the side they managed build up some steam - first with the thrashing of Saudi Arabia (as they were expected to do) before sealing top spot in the group by overcoming Uruguay in a fiery clash. In the knockouts, however, Spain are beginning to really look like potential winners.
After brushing Austria aside in a 3-0 last-32 win, Spain broke Portuguese hearts (including Cristiano Ronaldo’s) courtesy of a last-gasp Mikel Merino winner to seal their place in the quarter-finals. It wasn’t the most spectacular performance in a largely cagey affair, granted, but dumping out a big hitter will always get you points, no matter the method.
Rating all eight nations ahead of the quarter-finals
13:42 , Will Castle
3. England 🏴 ⬆️
They’ve only gone and got us dreaming again. After nearly succumbing to another “Iceland moment” in a narrow, late comeback win over DR Congo in the last-32, many had England pegged to go out to co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca (did you know it’s quite high up?), a fortress of Mexican football where only two away teams had ever won in a competitive match. What ensued was one of the best England performances in World Cup history.
After surviving the early expected wave of Mexican pressure, Jude Bellingham’s stunning brace in a minute put the Three Lions in control. England’s resolve went on to be seriously tested, however - their lead was cut in half not once but twice, with the teams trading penalties after the break, and they played much of the second half with 10 men after Jarell Quansah was sent off (get on the blower to Gianni, Keir!).
Those last 20 minutes of normal time, plus 11 agonising minutes in stoppages, were some of the longest in memory. But after putting in the defensive shift of their lives - Dan Burn, I’m pointing at you - Thomas Tuchel’s men got over the line in Mexico City. National pride spiked at 4am, a World Cup dream renewed. To quote the late, great Eddie Guerrero, viva la raza. Norway next.
Rating all eight nations ahead of the quarter-finals
13:36 , Will Castle
4. Argentina 🇦🇷 ⬇️
It is still very much the Lionel Messi show when it comes to Argentina - though his goals are now becoming a sub-plot of a turbulent knockout stage so far for the holders. After a narrow extra-time win over an admirable Cape Verde side took a bit of the shine off a flawless group stage, their World Cup now surrounded by refereeing controversy after coming from two down to scrape past Egypt.
The Pharaohs had a goal disallowed in the first half for a foul many considered way too far back in the build-up to justify action, while Mohamed Salah thought he should have had a penalty before the Argentina counter-attacked and found their stoppage-time winner. Mostafa Ziko, who saw his goal chalked off before scoring anyway in the second half, has accused the World Cup of being “fixed” as a result. It’s an ugly look for Argentina, whose very lucky - and arguably wrongful - escape against a significantly weaker side pushes them down in these rankings.
Rating all eight nations ahead of the quarter-finals
13:30 , Will Castle
5. Morocco 🇲🇦 ⬆️
The Afcon (sort of) champions impressed in the group stage, especially in their opening draw against Brazil where they were the better side, but were punished for not scoring big against Scotland or Haiti as they ran out second in Group C, setting up a match with big hitters Netherlands in the round of 32’s most-stacked tie.
Cue a match filled with last drama and one of the most bewildering penalty shootouts in World Cup history, which saw five out of 10 spot-kicks missed - with Morocco the victors. After inflicting one of the two biggest eliminations of the last-32, Morocco have now dumped out one of the hosts in a dominant win over Canada, and are very much succeeding in their bid to prove their 2022 semi-final run was no fluke.
Rating all eight nations ahead of the quarter-finals
13:24 , Will Castle
6. Norway 🇳🇴 ⬆️
Norway hadn’t been at a World Cup in 28 years before making their return to the global stage in North America - they now look like they’re here to stay. Powered by Erling Haaland’s goals, they head to the quarter-finals off the back of the biggest scalp in their history, dumping out five-time winners Brazil in an upset that, on paper, looks seismic, but was actually very much on the cards if you’d watched both teams this tournament. Haaland scored both in the 2-0 win in New Jersey (because of course he did) to propel himself among Messi and Mbappe in the golden boot race, and now stares down the barrel of a last-eight meeting with the Three Lions - unfortunately for Tuchel, Haaland has a knack for scoring against English defences.
Rating all eight nations ahead of the quarter-finals
13:18 , Will Castle
7. Belgium 🇧🇪 ⬆️
The people’s team. Belgium were faced with an injustice and a very possible breach of sporting integrity heading into their last-16 clash with hosts USA when their top scorer Balogun saw his red card ban was “suspended” by Fifa, which followed a call from US president Donald Trump to his good chum Gianni Infantino. Spark the entire footballing world (apart from the Americans) rooting against those great United States. And boy, did we get a successful hate watch.
While Belgium are not what they used to be after seeing their golden generation pass them by, Rudi Garcia’s team clearly had extra fire in their belly courtesy of the controversy as they dismantled the dismal hosts in a 4-1 win. “Overturn this,” posted Belgium on their official social media accounts.
They beat the odds stacked against them by Mr Trump, but can they do it again by overcoming one of the tournament favourites in Spain next up? We think that’s a long shot.
Rating all eight nations ahead of the quarter-finals
13:12 , Will Castle
8. Switzerland🇨🇭⬆️
You can’t really be classed as getting the wooden spoon as a World Cup quarter-finalist but if it has to be given out, Switzerland are the receivers as the victor of the most uneventful last-16 tie by a country mile.
The Swiss are into the quarter-finals after edging Colombia on penalties, following a goalless draw in 120 minutes. The first time they’ve reached the last-eight in 72 years, Switzerland have finally broken their last-16 curse - they’d exited the competition five times just before the quarters since that 1954 run.
They’re charged with eliminating holders Argentina in the next round - safe to say they’ll have the whole of Egypt rooting for them, too.
Michael Olise has yellow card appeal rejected by Fifa
13:06 , Mike Jones
Michael Olise and France have seen an appeal to repeal a yellow card for the midfielder rejected by Fifa.
The move goes against the precedent set by the World Cup organisers after they suspended Folarin Balogun’s red card ban earlier in the tournament.
Olise’s yellow card was arguably less justified than Balogun’s red.
Fifa rejects France’s yellow card appeal ahead of World Cup clash with Morocco
Morocco's early team news
13:00 , Mike Jones
Ismael Saibari was substituted early in their last-16 clash against Canada because of a hamstring strain and Soufiane Rahimi could lead the line instead. Centre-back Chadi Riad is a doubt.
Possible Morocco XI: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui; Diaz, Ounahi; El Khannouss; Rahimi.
France's early team news
12:54 , Mike Jones
Aurelien Tchouameni remains a doubt having missed the win over Paraguay with a thigh strain, while reserve forward Marcus Thuram is also injured.
Possible France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe.
Who will the winner face next?
12:48 , Mike Jones
The winners of Spain vs Belgium will meet the victor of this tie in the semi-finals.
How can I watch it?
12:42 , Mike Jones
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV, with coverage on the channel from 8pm BST.
A live stream will be available via ITVX.
When is France vs Morocco?
12:36 , Mike Jones
France vs Morocco is due to kick off at 9pm BST on Thursday 9 July in Boston.
France v Morocco
12:30 , Mike Jones
Tournament favourites France meet Morocco in a repeat of a semi-final from Qatar in 2022 as Kylian Mbappe and company aim to reach the last four again.
Mbappe remains firmly in the golden boot hunt, trailing Lionel Messi by a goal, and will be hoping to keep his run going against the tournament’s only remaining African team.
Morocco have impressed en route to the quarters and comfortably dispatched co-hosts Canada in the previous round. They will also be fuelled by the opportunity to exact revenge on Les Bleus for their 2-0 defeat in Doha.
Good afternoon!
12:27 , Mike Jones
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s World Cup action.
It’s the start of the quarter-finals and about the time that the remaining teams begin to believe that they can go all the way.
Only three matches separate the last eight nations in the tournament from history and glory but they will need to take it one game at a time if they are to come out top.
Tonight’s first quarter-final sees France, champions in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, take on African champions Morocco.
The match is also a repeat of the 2022 semi-final in which the French proved triumphant.
Will that also be the case tonight?
We’ll have all the team news, updates and more throughout the afternoon so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 9pm.
