FIFA World Cup 2026: Doue starts, Barcola benched as France name lineup for Morocco WC QF clash
Boston, July 10
France will hand a starting role to attacking midfielder Desire Doue as head coach Didier Deschamps makes a tactical adjustment by leaving Bradley Barcola on the bench for Thursday's FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Morocco.
In a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, France's starting XI remains largely unchanged from the 1-0 Round of 16 victory over Paraguay, with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele leading the attack and Michael Olise operating in support, as per Reuters.
Morocco, meanwhile, will be without key forward Ismael Saibari after he picked up an injury in their previous match. Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has made two changes, bringing defender Anass Salah Eddine and midfielder Chemsdine Talbi into the lineup, while Brahim Diaz is deployed as a lone striker.
Morocco arrive unbeaten in their last 10 matches since January's Africa Cup of Nations final and are aiming to secure a first-ever victory over France after failing to win any of their previous six meetings.
Their only previous competitive encounter came in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, where France prevailed 2-0.
The winners of Thursday's contest will book a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, where either Spain or Belgium await.
Teams:
France - Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue; Kylian Mbappe (captain).
Morocco: Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Noussair Mazraoui, Anass Salah Eddine; Neil El Aynaoui, Chemsdine Talbi, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss; Brahim Diaz.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Morocco have been so impressive this tournament! Unbeaten in 10 matches is no joke. I'm rooting for the underdog here—would love to see them finally get that first win over France. Brahim Diaz as lone striker is a big responsibility though.
As an Indian football fan, I love seeing both teams play such attacking football. But seriously, France's bench depth is insane—Barcola is world-class talent and he's on the bench! Deschamps knows best, but I hope we see him get game time. 🇮🇳⚽
Morocco's defence is rock solid with Bounou in goal and Hakimi on the flank. But France's attack is simply terrifying—Mbappe, Dembele, Olise, Doue... that's four players who can destroy any defence on their day. Going to be a cracker of a match! 🏆
I have to say, as much as I admire France's talent, I feel for Morocco. They've been consistent since AFCON 2023 final but just can't seem to get past France. Also, Saibari's injury is a big blow—he was their creative spark. Hope Talbi can step up!
Interesting to see Olise starting in a deeper supporting role—he's been phenomenal all tournament. Doue getting the nod over Barcola shows Deschamps is thinking about fresh legs and pressing from the start. The semi-final spot is up for grabs! 💪
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