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2022 World Cup | France vs Morocco combined XI

France edged out a talented England side to reach the semi-finals while Morocco have continued to defy all the odds after a narrow 1-0 win over Portugal to send Cristiano Ronaldo packing

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Holding World Cup champions France have reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and have put themselves in a prime position to reach the final on football’s biggest stage for the fourth time in their history with Les Bleus star Kylian Mbappé leading the charge under Didier Deschamps. Blessed with arguably the deepest pool of talent anywhere in the world, the two-time winners have avoided the jinx of crashing out early after being crowned champions (something they failed to do in 2002), and with a squad brimming with talent, they’ll fancy their chances tomorrow against Morocco.

And speaking of the Atlas Lions, Walid Regragui’s African outfit continues to defy the odds at every turn across their fairytale run in Qatar this winter on the back of doggedly-determined team-wide performances that have seen them become the first side from the continent to ever reach the semi-finals of the competition. Star power is not something Morocco can command (nor have they had to) while championing a collective approach that so often can succeed across tournament play at the highest level.

But how do these two nations stack up against one another? 101 Great Goals takes a look at the best-combined XI from both nations in the run-up to a historic semi-final clash.

Combined XI (4-3-3)

GK: Hugo Lloris (France)

Morocco shot-stopper Yassine Bounou has been one of the standouts of the tournament, producing heroics in a penalty shoot-out against Spain to take the Atlas Lions into the semi-final. However, French goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris is no rookie himself, and has been key to France’s progression, making a pair of key saves in the quarter-final victory over England. He edges it, just.

RB: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

The Paris Saint Germain defender showed nerves of steel to panenka the Spanish goalkeeper and has enjoyed a top all-round tournament, even in a more reserved role than he enjoys with the French Champions. With France currently using central defender Jules Koundé on the right side of their defence, the Moroccan full-back walks into this side.

CB: Raphaël Varane (France)

Though he was touch and go ahead of the tournament after pushing to find fitness due to injury concerns at Manchester United, Varane has rebounded well to gain back control of his starting place after Ibrahima Konaté got the nod to begin group play. As expected, the highly-experienced center-back has not disappointed.

CB: Dayot Upamecano (France)

LB: Theo Hernández (France)

Though not initially set to be involved, with his brother instead chosen for the left back role by Deschamps, Theo Hernandez has proved a very able deputy in France’s run this far into the tournament, despite often being left isolated on the left flank due to the setup of the French side.

CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni (France)

Questions around whether or not France would be able to make another deep run at the World Cup after it was revealed that both Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kanté would miss the tournament, Real Madrid starlet Aurélien Tchouaméni has put those worries to bed after arguably being one of France’s best overall players this winter despite his age.

CM: Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco)

Has any player raised their transfer fee more than Sofyan Amrabat in this tournament? The Fiorentina midfielder has starred for the Atlas Lions in their history-making campaign to date, with his tough tackling and no-nonsense nature catching the eye of clubs around Europe. Based on his current performances, he would not look out of place in too many of them.

CM: Antoine Griezmann (France)

A man reborn in central midfield, Antoine Griezmann has enjoyed an excellent World Cup to date, getting progressively better with every game. Though we are used to seeing him further forward, his importance to Les Blues and Kylian Mbappe’s form cannot be underestimated in his new role.

RW: Ousmane Dembélé (France)

The less obvious threat in France’s attack, Ousmane Dembele has enjoyed a strong tournament to date on the right flank for Les Blues, helping his side into their second consecutive semi-final with two assists in five games and catching the eye with his impressive dribbling and one vs one ability.

ST: Olivier Giroud (France)

France’s all-time record goalscorer continues to sneak under the radar and rack up the goals for Didier Deschamps’ side. After proving vital to their success in 2018 without finding the back of the net, he has done so three times so far this tournament and could be set to continue on Wednesday.

LW: Kylian Mbappe (France)

Who else? Kylian Mbappe is the current top goalscorer at the World Cup, and arguably the scariest attacker in world football for any defence. Though Morocco are yet to concede from an opponent this tournament, he is sure to thoroughly test that when the two sides clash as he puts his name forward for top goalscorer and golden ball award.

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Ben Browning

Football writer and analyst. Long-time writer of all things Arsenal and avid watcher of European football. Happy to discuss all things football over on Twitter.

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