Portugal vs Morocco, World Cup 2022 quarter-final: Team news, kick-off time and TV channel

Portugal vs Morocco, World Cup 2022 quarter-final: Date, kick-off time and TV channel - Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters
Portugal vs Morocco, World Cup 2022 quarter-final: Date, kick-off time and TV channel - Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

Morocco will face Portugal in the World Cup quarter finals for the first time in their history after an eventual ending to the round of 16.

The African side reached the last eight by beating 2010 World Cup winners Spain after a penalty shootout upset.

However, they will face another stern test to reach the semi-finals, as Portugal produced a stunning display to beat Switzerland 6-1 at the knockout stage.

Portuguese manager Fernando Santos made a huge call in dropping Cristiano Ronaldo following antics against South Korea and replacement Goncalo Ramos scored a stylish hat-trick against Murat Yakin's team.

When is Portugal vs Morocco ?

The Portugal vs Morocco match will be the third of the four quarter-finals to be played over two days and takes place on Saturday, December 10 at Al Thumana Stadium.

What time is kick off?

The game will kick off at 3pm GMT (6pm local time)

What TV channel is it on?

In the UK, the match will be broadcasted on ITV and ITVX, with coverage beginning at 2pm (GMT).

Telegraph Sport will also be running a live blog on the game – you can bookmark this page now and return on Saturday to follow along with our coverage.

How have Portugal fared so far?

Portugal seemed to be cruising through the group stages of this World Cup with victories over Ghana and Uruguay to confirm their spot in the last-16. However, Fernando Santos' side succumbed to a shock defeat against South Korea in the last group stage match, after Hwan Hee-chan scored a stoppage time winner off a Son Heung-min pass.

What are Portugal saying?

Ramos, a 21-year-old forward who only made his Portugal debut last month, scored a hat-trick as Portugal thrashed Switzerland 6-1.

"Not even in my wildest dreams did I think about being part of the starting team for the knockout stage," said Ramos, who counts Ronaldo along with Robert Lewandowski and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as his soccer idols.

"We have to think about this team collectively now," Santos said, before talking about Ronaldo. "I still consider he has a very important role in the team."

"Cristiano, as captain, did what he always does," Ramos said. "He helped us and encouraged us, not only myself but my colleagues."

How have Morocco got on so far?

The African side finished top of Group F after beating Belgium and Canada and earning a goalless draw with Croatia. The last-16 clash saw Morocco celebrate a historic World Cup win over Spain. They beat Luis Enrique's side 3-1 on penalties after neither side managed to score in normal and extra time.

Portugal vs Morocco results history

The two previous meeting between these two sides have come at World Cups, with Morocco winning 3-1 in Mexico in 1986. Before Portugal won 1-0 in Russia four years ago, with an early Ronaldo goal knocking the African side out of the tournament in the group stage.

What is Portugal's World Cup record?

The team has qualified for the World Cup seven times, with the best performance being in 1966 where they placed third.

What is Morocco's World Cup record?

The African side have qualified for the World Cup on six occasions and will play a World Cup quarter-final for the first time in their history after eliminating 2010 World Cup champions Spain on penalties.

Latest odds

  • Portugal: 7/10

  • Morocco: 9/2

  • Draw (after 90 minutes): 5/2