​The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway with its next major milestone on the horizon as the first semifinalist will be decided this Thursday, September 9. The match features a high-stakes clash between France and Morocco, set to kick off at 5:00 p.m. Brasília time at Gillette Stadium in Boston. This game serves as a rematch of the World Cup semifinal in Qatar, a fixture that saw France advance to the final stages of the tournament. The winner will advance to meet either Spain or Belgium in the next round.
Argentine referee Facundo Tello will officiate the match. The broadcast will be available on TV Globo, SporTV, ge tv, and CazéTV, ensuring wide coverage for fans tuning in from various platforms.
France began their campaign with a flawless group-stage performance, finishing atop their group. They then defeated Sweden 3-0 and Paraguay 1-0 in the knockout rounds to book their semifinal berth. Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Aurelien Tchouaméni is available again, though the midfielder is expected to start on the bench. The midfield pairing in the lineup will remain as Koné and Rabiot, a combination trusted for creating momentum in the center of the park. After delivering an impactful cameo in the quarterfinal qualification, Doué has earned a starting spot at the expense of Barcola.
France’s starting XI is expected to be: Maignan in goal; a back line of Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, and Digne; a midfield trio consisting of Koné, Rabiot, and Olise; and an attacking trio of Dembélé, Doué, and Mbappé. It’s worth noting that Koné, Barcola, and Olise are each one booking away from the suspension threshold, which adds an extra layer of caution for them in this crucial match.
Morocco’s journey to the knockout stage was impressive as well. They finished second in a group led by Brazil and progressed by overcoming the Netherlands in a penalty shootout before routing Canada 3-0 in the subsequent round. This achievement would mark Morocco’s best World Cup performance to date and position them on the verge of a second consecutive appearance in the semifinals.
Mohamed Ouahbi will be without his top scorer Ismael Saibari, who has joined Bayern Munich but is sidelined due to injury. Saibari’s absence has opened a starting berth for Talbi. The expected Morocco lineup is: Bono in goal; Hakimi, Diop, Eddine, and Mazraoui in defense; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui, Ounahi, El Khannouss, and Talbi in the midfield; with Brahim Díaz up front. It’s important to highlight that five players—Hakimi, Diop, Ounahi, El Khannouss, and Halhal—remain one booking away from suspension, which could influence substitutions and tactical decisions as the match unfolds.
This report has been translated into English via AI, and the original version in Portuguese can be accessed here for reference and SEO alignment.