World Cup 2026: Morocco expected starting lineup for France quarter-final clash

Morocco are expected to make one enforced change for their World Cup quarter-final against France after head coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed leading scorer Ismael Saibari will miss Thursday’s showdown through injury.

The Atlas Lions return to face France four years after their memorable 2022 World Cup semi-final meeting, with another place in the last four at stake as Morocco look to equal their historic achievement from Qatar.

Ouahbi confirmed before the match that Saibari had not recovered in time to feature after sustaining an injury during Morocco’s 3-0 victory over Canada in the round of 16.

“With the exception of Sibari, everyone is present. The match came early after his injury, and we have to choose players who are 100% ready. I hope Sibari will be with us for the remaining matches.”

The midfielder was forced off in the 22nd minute against Canada and was replaced by Soufiane Rahimi, who is now expected to lead Morocco’s attack against France.

Morocco eye another historic result

France booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Paraguay, courtesy of a Kylian Mbappe penalty, and arrive as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

Morocco, meanwhile, have continued their impressive World Cup campaign with a series of disciplined performances and will be aiming to reach the semi-finals for the second consecutive tournament.

The fixture also revives memories of the nations’ controversial meeting in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, a match that remains a talking point among many Moroccan supporters because of several refereeing decisions.

Thursday’s contest is also expected to feature a fascinating duel between Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and France star Kylian Mbappe, close friends and former Paris Saint-Germain teammates who will temporarily put their relationship aside in pursuit of a place in the last four.

Expected line-ups

France (expected): Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappe.

Morocco (expected): Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, Noussair Mazraoui; Neil El Aynaoui, Azzedine Ounahi, Ayoub Bouaddi, Brahim Diaz, Bilal El Khannouss; Soufiane Rahimi.

Morocco will hope the expected reshuffle is enough to overcome the loss of Saibari and keep Africa’s hopes alive by securing another famous World Cup victory over one of the tournament favourites.