French captain Kylian Mbappé has confirmed that Morocco will be permitted to field a full squad of eleven players in tonight's World Cup quarterfinal, describing the decision as “a personal concession” made in the interest of sportsmanship.
“I thought about it for a long time,” Mbappé told reporters at the pre-match press conference, which he held separately from the one organised by the French Football Federation. “Eleven is generous. But I believe in fair play.”
The announcement came as a relief to the Moroccan camp, which had reportedly spent the morning awaiting formal confirmation that the match would proceed. “We weren't sure until we received the fax,” said a source close to the Moroccan delegation. “Yes, it came by fax.”
Head coach Didier Deschamps learned of the decision through an Instagram story. Sources say he briefly considered asking a follow-up question before deciding against it. “Didier is very supportive,” said a member of the French staff. “He supports things. That's his role.”
The authorisation document, which is understood to run to two pages, also stipulates that Morocco may use substitutes “upon request” and that the Moroccan coaching staff are “welcome to suggest tactical adjustments, which will be noted.”
When asked whether he had also approved France's starting eleven, Mbappé paused for three seconds before answering: “Who else would have?”
The Élysée Palace declined to comment but sources say President Macron called the FFF this morning to ask whether he was still invited to attend the match. He was told his seat “had been reassigned but that a replacement in the upper tier was being considered.”
Kick-off is at 22:00 CET, subject to final approval.