What time is France v Morocco tonight and how to watch World Cup semi-final in UAE?

Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi target a spot in the final in Qatar

Morocco's Jawad El Yamiq celebrates after the 1-0 World Cup quarter-final win against Portugal at Al Thumama Stadium on December 10, 2022. Getty

Yassine Bounou, Bilal El Khannouss, Reda Tagnaouti and Achraf Hakimi of Morocco celebrate the team's victory. Getty

Walid Regragui, coach of Morocco, celebrates with the team. Getty

Yahya Attiat-Allah of Morocco celebrates. Getty

Morocco's Youssef En-Nesyri celebrates after scoring the only goal. Reuters

Morocco's Youssef En-Nesyri heads home in the first half. AP

Portugal's Otavio, Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Neves argue with referee Facundo Tello. Reuters

Morocco manager Walid Regragui. EPA

Portugal's Ruben Dias with Diogo Dalot. Getty

Moussef En-Nesyri scores for Morocco. Reuters

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo runs with the ball after coming on in the second half. AP

Portugal's Bruno Fernandes goes down in the box but no penalty was given. Getty

Portugal's Goncalo Ramos is helped up by Ruben Dias and Otavio. Reuters

Morocco's Achraf Hakimi goes head-to-head with Otavio of Portugal. EPA

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo talks with the referee Facundo Tello. AP

Morocco's Romain Saiss is carried off in the second half. Getty

Goncalo Ramos of Portugal reacts after missing a chance. Getty

Phtographers surround Portugal subsitute Cristiano Ronaldo before the match. AP

It's a clash very few would have predicted at the beginning of the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar. But now that it is here, the world can't wait for France v Morocco in a mouth-watering semi-final showdown tonight.

Didier Deschamps's defending champions and title favourites face African history-makers Morocco in what is expected to be one of the most watched games of the finals.

Route to the semi-final

France defeated England on Saturday to book their place in the last-four and are looking to become the first team in 60 years to retain the trophy. However, they have to first overcome fierce resistance from the surprise package of the tournament Morocco – the first African nation to reach this far.

After finishing top of a group that also included Croatia, Belgium and Canada, Morocco then beat Spain and Portugal to reach the semi-finals.

That has led to a huge outpouring of support from across the Arab world and Africa.

The African side's defence has been watertight, conceding only once – an own goal against Canada – in their five matches so far. That fighting mentality has won Morocco many fans.

“We are now becoming the team that everyone loves in this World Cup because we are showing that even if you don’t have as much talent and money then you can succeed,” said manager Walid Regragui.

“We have made our people and our continent so happy and proud. When you watch Rocky, you want to support Rocky Balboa and I think we are the Rocky of this World Cup. I think now the world is with Morocco.”

Fixture

France v Morocco World Cup 2022 semi-final takes place on Wednesday, December 14, from 11pm UAE time (10pm local time).

Where will the match take place?

The semi-final will be held at the Al Bayt Stadium. The tent-shaped venue has a capacity of over 60,000 and is set to dominated by Morocco supporters.

Players to watch

Kylian Mbappe has arguably been the player of the tournament. Morocco's defence is set for their toughest test, up against the tournament's leading scorer Mbappe (five goals) and Olivier Giroud (four) plus Antoine Griezmann, who was in great form in their quarter-final win over England.

Their opponents will rely on Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech for their top-level experience. Also, Dutch-born Sofyan Amrabat has emerged as a powerful midfield enforcer and should pose the French problems.

How to watch semi-final in UAE?

The World Cup 2022 is being shown live on beIN Sports. For those who want to enjoy the game in a different ambeience, there are a number of other options.

In Abu Dhabi, fans can head to VOX Cinemas to watch the game live. Also, there is the Abu Dhabi fan zone at Yas Links and the Emirates Palace fan zone - just a few of many great settings.

Dubai fans too are spoilt for choice. You can enjoy the game game from the comforts of Expo City fan zone, JBR Football Village, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, and similar such venues.