Morocco's path to historic World Cup 2022 semi-final - in pictures

Atlas Lions look to continue dream run in Qatar as they take on France in semi-final on Wednesday

GROUP STAGE: Morocco 0-0 Croatia: Sofyan Amrabat and his Morocco teammates greet fans after their opening match of World Cup 2022 Group F ended in a draw at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on November 23, 2022. EPA

Croatia's Lovro Majer is challenged by Morocco captain Romain Saiss. Morocco were widely praised for holding the 2018 runners-up to a goalless draw. AFP

Belgium 0-2 Morocco: Achraf Hakimi, left, and Noussair Mazraoui celebrate after Morocco's second goal during their World Cup Group F match at Al Thumama Stadium on November 27, 2022. This is the match that kick-started Morocco's incredible run in Qatar. Getty

Morocco's Sofyan Amrabat challenges Amadou Onana of Belgium. Amrabat emerged as a midfield enforcer for Morocco, who remained unbeaten in the group stage. Getty

Canada 1-2 Morocco: Morocco's Youssef En-Nesyri, left, celebrates with Sofiane Boufal after scoring his side's second goal at Al Thumama Stadium on December 1, 2022. The African nation secured their place in the World Cup last 16 for first time since 1986. AP

Morocco's Sofyan Amrabat, left, and Alphonso Davies of Canada battle for possession. Goals from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri ensured the North Africans finished top of Group F. AP

ROUND-OF-16: Morocco 0-0 Spain (Morocco win on penalties). Morocco players celebrate after their win in the last-16 match against Spain at the Education City Stadium on December 06, 2022. The North African nation made it to the quarter-finals for first time. Getty

Alvaro Morata of Spain after missing chance during the last-16 match against Morocco. Achraf Hakimi converted the decisive spot kick for Morocco with a cheeky 'Panenka' in the penalty shoot-out. Getty

QUARTER-FINALS: Morocco 1-0 Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks dejected after his team's defeat in the World Cup quarter-final at Al Thumama Stadium on December 10, 2022. Getty

Morocco's Sofiane Boufal, right, celebrates with his mother after his team's win in the World Cup quarter-final against Portugal. AP

Morocco's goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, left, celebrates with Achraf Hakimi after guiding their team to the World Cup semi-final. AP

Morocco will be carrying the hopes of millions when they take on defending champions France in an explosive World Cup 2022 semi-final clash on Wednesday.

The African nation have surprised one and all with their dogged defence, conceding only once in their unbeaten run to the last four. But they will have to regroup once again as they prepare for defending champion France and their in-form striker Kylian Mbappe.

Morocco exceeded all expectations by beating second-ranked Belgium in the group stage and then eliminating European powerhouses Spain and Portugal in the knockout phase.

No longer content with just making it to the next stage, Moroccan manager Walid Regragui said his players now want to go all the way.

“I was asked if we can win the World Cup and I said, ‘Why not? We can dream, it doesn’t cost you anything to have dreams,’” said. “European countries are used to winning the World Cup and we have played top sides, we have not had an easy run. Anyone playing us is going to be afraid of us now.”

Among the many intriguing contests on offer at the Al Bayt Stadium will be the one between Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi.

The two Paris Saint-Germain stars are close friends at the club level but will but will put that to one side for the semi-final battle

Mbappe has scored five goals and delivered two assists at this World Cup while Hakimi has been key in helping Morocco concede only 10 shots on target in their five matches.

Hakimi celebrated his winning penalty against Spain in the last 16 by imitating a penguin – something he does with Mbappe and Sergio Ramos at PSG.

As Morocco, and the wider Arab and African world, prepare for what will be a memorable night in Qatar, we take a look at their route to the last four in the picture gallery above. To view the next image, click on the arrows or swipe if on a mobile device.