Morocco lineup vs France: Predicted XI for World Cup quarter-final, with star striker Saibari hit by injury

Preparing for a rematch of their 2022 semi-final, Morocco indispensable effort to topple acquainted foes France erstwhile they conscionable successful the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals.

Mohamed Ouahbi's men overcame Canada in the past 16, largely acknowledgment to a second-half treble by Azzedine Ounahi, earlier substitute Soufiane Rahimi applied further gloss during stoppage time.

The second could beryllium called upon again connected Thursday, arsenic the Atlas Lions are acceptable to beryllium without Bayern Munich caller boy Ismael Saibari, who was withdrawn aboriginal against the tourney co-hosts.

Depending connected its severity, a hamstring strain whitethorn mean Saibari sits out, leaving Rahimi and seasoned Olympiacos striker Ayoub El Kaabi to combat for 1 spot up front.

In amended quality for Ouahbi, Crystal Palace centre-back Chadi Riad has had much accidental to afloat retrieve from a knock, truthful Redouane Halhal mightiness marque mode aft filling successful against Canada.

Captain and right-back Achraf Hakimi volition surely diagnostic successful a four-man defence, up of vice-captain and Qatar 2022 prima Yassine Bounou.

Meanwhile, successful midfield, Ounahi has occupied a much precocious relation successful caller games, taking his tally to 11 planetary goals.

Both helium and playmaker Brahim Diaz usually nexus up with France-born brace Neil El Aynaoui and Ayyoub Bouaddi, the second of whom has drawn transfer involvement from respective large clubs.

Morocco imaginable starting lineup: Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Rahimi

> Click present to spot however France could enactment up for their World Cup quarter-final against Morocco