A place in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final awaits for the winner of France vs Morocco.
Les Bleus are chasing back-to-back titles having triumphed in Russia four years ago and have overcome numerous injuries to still shine in Qatar.
Morocco, meanwhile, have emerged as the fairytale story of the 2022 tournament and became the first African team to reach the final four after beating Portugal 1-0 in the quarterfinals.
This semifinal fixture shapes up as an interesting one on paper with a fair bit of history between these nations in the past.
MORE: France vs Morocco prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets
France vs Morocco history
Off the pitch, these two countries go back centuries with a formal alliance established as early as the 17th century.
France also seized some colonial control of Morocco in the early 20th century but this officially came to an end by 1955.
Despite this, the two still remain quite close with France seen as Morocco's main trade partner and a popular destination for Moroccans to immigrate to. In fact, Morocco's current World Cup team has two players (Romain Saiss and Sofiane Boufal) that were born in France.
On the pitch, France have had the clear edge over the years with the Atlas Lions never claiming a recognised win over Les Blues.
Morocco fans are not scared of France! Bring it ON!😈 pic.twitter.com/teZ9ugGU49
— GOAL Africa (@GOALAfrica) December 12, 2022
France vs Morocco head-to-head record
These two nations have quite a history but haven't faced off since 2007 when they drew 2-2 in a friendly.
France have generally dominated this fixture but Morocco have rarely been blown off the park with another tight contest expected at the 2022 World Cup.
The two teams have never previously faced off at the tournament.
| Date | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 5, 1988 | France 2 Morocco 1 | Friendly |
| May 29, 1998 | Morocco 2 France 2 (pens 5-6) | King Hassan II Tournament |
| Jan 20, 1999 | France 1 Morocco 0 | Friendly |
| June 6, 2000 | Morocco 1 France 5 | Friendly |
| Nov 16, 2007 | France 2 Morocco 2 | Friendly |
Last France vs Morocco match
It's been over 15 years since this fixture was last played but their 2007 friendly was one to remember.
Played at Stade de France, over 70,000 fans watched an enthralling match unfold.
Morocco opened the scoring through Tarik Sektioui after just eight minutes before France hit straight back via Sidney Govou.
Former Premier League star Samir Nasri then put Les Blues ahead in the 75th minute with a strike from outside of the box.
But Morocco weren't done yet and found an equaliser with six minutes remaining through Youssef Mokhtari.
Check out highlights of the match here.
France vs Morocco World Cup betting odds
France will unsurprisingly come into this match as strong favourites with the bookmakers.
Morocco's stunning defensive record so far in Qatar means even if they aren't being tipped to win, few are expecting France to pile on the goals.
Odds via BetMGM (USA), Sports Interaction (Canada), SkyBet (UK), and Ladbrokes (Australia).
| BetMGM | Sports Interaction | SkyBet | Ladbrokes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France win | -190 | 1.51 | 1/2 | 8/15 |
| Draw | +290 | 3.75 | 3/1 | 11/4 |
| Morocco win | +600 | 6.60 | 6/1 | 13/2 |
| Both teams to score Y / N | +135 / -190 | 2.29 / 1.48 | 5/4, 4/7 | 27/20, 8/15 |
| Over / Under 2.5 goals | +120 / -165 | 2.21 / 1.62 | 6/5, 8/13 | 5/4, 3/5 |
| France -0.5 | -210 | 1.52 | — | — |
| Morocco +0.5 | +145 | 2.49 | — | — |
| France advance | -450 | 1.24 | 1/5 | 2/9 |
| Morocco advance | +310 | 3.65 | 10/3 | 3/1 |
Note: Odds above for 90 minutes of regulation except "to advance."
