France vs Morocco — the rematch, for a semi-final

The rematch the Arab world dreamed of

On December 14, 2022, in Al Khor, France ended the greatest story in Arab football history. Morocco had become the first Arab and first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final, but the reigning champions were a step too far, winning 2–0 through Théo Hernández and Randal Kolo Muani. Three and a half years later, in the quarter-final of an expanded World Cup on North American soil, the two meet again — and this time Morocco arrive not as a fairytale, but as a heavyweight.

Walid Regragui's side have not been beaten in 90 minutes at this tournament. They held Brazil in their opening game, won their group, knocked out the Netherlands on penalties in the Round of 32, and then swept co-hosts Canada aside 3–0 with an Azzedine Ounahi masterclass. With Achraf Hakimi marauding, Brahim Díaz pulling strings and Ounahi in the form of his life, this is the deepest, most complete Morocco team yet — and they carry the hopes of the entire Arab world into the last eight.

France, though, look frighteningly good: five wins from five, Kylian Mbappé leading the line, and a squad deep enough to win ugly when they have to, as they did against Paraguay. Kick-off is 20:00 UTC — 9:00 PM in Morocco, 10:00 PM in Cairo, 11:00 PM in Amman — live on beIN SPORTS across the region, with every kick, stat and goal alert on KickD.