In a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, France, who have now kept clean sheets in all three knockout matches, looked the hungrier side throughout, with Morocco, aiming for a second straight last-four spot, badly missing injured striker Ismael Saibari and failing to get a shot on target until the 84th minute.

The French, bidding to become only the third nation to reach three consecutive World Cup finals, started strongly with a couple of early chances.

“We are very disappointed, we wanted to advance,” said Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi. 

“We have to recognise that France is a great team with excellent players. France had the better scoring opportunities. We lacked ideas and freshness, and we have to accept this defeat.

“Today France were stronger, but we are able to compete and progress and maybe eliminate them in four years’ time,” Ouahbi said. 

Morocco are co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.