Morocco will look to continue Africa's FIFA World Cup campaign when they face two-time champions France in a mouth-watering quarter-final in Boston on Thursday.
The Atlas Lions have another opportunity to create history as they seek revenge for their 2-0 defeat to France in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup. Victory would send Morocco into the last four for the second time in their history and keep African hopes alive at the tournament.
Standing in their way is a French side chasing a third successive World Cup semi-final appearance, with the winners set to face either Spain or Belgium.
France target another milestone
France have enjoyed an impressive run to the quarter-finals, winning all five of their matches at the tournament.
Their progress continued with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16, extending Les Bleus' unbeaten run in competitive matches to 12 games, comprising 11 wins and one draw.
Another victory would give France eight consecutive competitive wins for the first time since 2004 and make them only the third nation to reach three successive World Cup semi-finals.
Head coach Didier Deschamps is also set to equal the record for the most matches managed at the FIFA World Cup, taking charge of his 25th game at the finals.
Despite France's strong form, history offers Morocco encouragement. Half of France's defeats at the World Cup this century outside penalty shoot-outs have come against African opposition.
Morocco chasing another historic achievement
Morocco arrive in a confident mood after an emphatic 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in the last 16, scoring with three of their four shots on target.
The Atlas Lions remain one of the tournament's standout teams and have now gone 10 matches unbeaten since losing the Africa Cup of Nations final, recording seven wins and three draws.
They have already become the first African nation to go unbeaten in their opening five matches at a single World Cup on two separate occasions and now have the chance to reach another semi-final.
Head-to-head record
France hold the historical advantage, remaining unbeaten in six previous meetings with Morocco, winning four and drawing two.
Their only competitive meeting came in the 2022 World Cup semi-final, where France secured a 2-0 victory.
Probable line-ups
France: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe.
Morocco: Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Rahimi.
Match details
The World Cup quarter-final between France and Morocco will be played on Thursday, 9 July, at Gillette Stadium in Boston.
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT.
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