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Why Is N'Golo Kanté Not Playing Today for France vs. Morocco in the World Cup Quarterfinal Match?
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- Why Is N'Golo Kanté Not Playing Today for France vs. Morocco in the World Cup Quarterfinal Match?
France will play Morocco at Boston Stadium in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup . The match is arguably the toughest test for France at this World Cup.
The French team has one player injured for the match against Morocco: Aurélien Tchouaméni. Tchouaméni did not play against Paraguay in the Round of 32 due to an adductor injury.
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France will start with the midfield duo of Adrien Rabiot and Kouadio Kone. This rules out N'Golo Kanté, who has yet to play for France at the 2026 World Cup.
Ngolo Kante of France looks on during warm up prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 football match between France and Sweden. France won 3-0 over Sweden. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images
Kante has been on the bench for all five of France's games, and head coach Didier Deschamps has trusted Kouadio Kone to play alongside Rabiot.
Is N'Golo Kanté Injured?
N'Golo Kanté is not injured and is available to play for France against Morocco. Kante is among the few players in the France squad who have not played in the 2026 World Cup.
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Warren Zaire-Emery, Lucas Hernandez, and backup goalkeepers Brice Samba and Robin Risser also have not played for France in this World Cup.
Kanté will likely get minutes if Koné or Rabiot suffers an injury against Morocco today.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
