Morocco vs Spain World Cup 2022: Date & Time, Team News, Match Preview, Prediction

The penultimate World Cup 2022 last-16 battle takes place at the Education City Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, as Morocco pit their wits against Spain.

Charlotte Pho

December 05, 2022 | 23:42

These two attacking sides are likely to play out a goal-filled encounter as they both look for a place in the last eight in Qatar

Spain face Morocco on Tuesday afternoon at Education City stadium in the last 16 of the World Cup with La Roja the favourites to make it through to the quarter finals.

Luis Enrique's side qualified second from their group following a 2-1 defeat to Japan in their final match while Morocco were one of just three teams to pick up seven points from a possible nine in the group stages.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Photo: Getty Images

The World Cup last-16 clash is scheduled for a 3pm GMT kick-off time on Tuesday December 6, 2022.

The Education City Stadium in Doha will host.

Morocco vs Spain preview

Walid Regragui's men have been extremely impressive, playing with the kind of the energy that can hurt any team.

They boast a side full of footballers who play in Europe's top leagues and combine skill with physical ability, meaning this should be a real challenge for La Roja.

Spain are a rollercoaster of a team of whom it is difficult to know what to expect.

Their first match saw them thrash Costa Rica 7-0, while their last game saw them beaten by Japan.

Goals however should be on the cards in this game between two excellent attacking outfits and opposing a clean sheet makes sense.

Team News

Photo: Getty Images

Morocco number one Yassine Bounou, who felt unwell just before the win over Belgium and had to withdraw at the last second, was able to complete the full 90 minutes against Canada and will expect to form part of an untouched XI.

Achraf Hakimi - who provided a delightful assist for En-Nesyri's strike - is expected to be passed fit despite nursing some ankle problems, but the Paris Saint-Germain right-back was one of several starters not risked in full training on Saturday.

The likes of Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat and Sofiane Boufal were also granted a well-earned rest, but there is nothing to suggest that the trio will not be given the green light for Tuesday's game.

As for Spain, Enrique was without the trio of Dani Olmo, David Raya and Cesar Azpilicueta in Friday's training session, although the former was just believed to have been rested after a gruelling group period.

However, Azpilicueta - who came off at half time against Japan - is dealing with pain in his calf, while the reasons for Raya's absence are yet to be explained, but Simon was always expected to be handed the gloves despite his error last time out.

Enrique was not afraid to hand starts to the up-and-coming duo of Nico Williams and Alejandro Balde against Japan, but Ferran Torres and Jordi Alba will expect to return to the first XI for the knockout stages.

Morocco possible starting lineup:

Bono; Hakimi, Saiss, Aguerd, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amrabat, Sahiri; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal

Spain possible starting lineup:

Simon; Carvajal, Rodri, Laporte, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, Gavi; Torres, Morata, Olmo

Morocco vs Spain prediction

Photo: Getty Images

The Atlas Lions are riding the crest of a wave at the moment. So strong defensively and against a Spain team not packed with goals (Costa Rica game aside), pulling off a shock cannot be ruled out.

Morocco must harness every inch of their recent defensive resilience if they are to secure a first-ever appearance in the quarter-finals, and Regragui's attackers should also take confidence from La Roja's frailties at the back against Japan.

When they click into gear, Spain are a true force to be reckoned with in the final third too, and an extensive list of attacking options on the bench could end up making the difference for Enrique's side if the teams cannot be separated after 90 minutes.

Morocco to win 2-0.