Qatar 2022 World Cup daily schedule: who plays today, 14 December?

Are there any words left to describe Lionel Messi? It feels almost impossible to find the terminology which does justice to what the Argentina captain has produced out on the field in the Qatar 2022 World Cup (and indeed his career). The Paris Saint-Germain playmaker put in yet another majestic display (I tried) as he led his nation to the World Cup final on Tuesday, scoring from the penalty spot and providing two assists for Julián Álvarez as La Albiceleste cruised past Croatia.

In addition to becoming Argentina’s record World Cup goalscorer in that semi-final clash, Messi equalled the all-time World Cup appearance record of 25 games, set by German Lothar Matthäus in 1998, and, in true Messi fashion, will set a new one when, all being well, he takes to the field in Sunday’s final, which he has confirmed will be his last ever game in a World Cup. The big question is, who are Argentina going to face in Lusail?

Can Morocco cause another 2022 World Cup upset against France?

Defending champions France are overwhelming favourites to reach a third final in seven tournaments as they head into the second semi-final against Morocco. But write the Atlas Lions off at your peril. We didn’t think they’d get out of the group stage. We didn’t think they’d beat Spain in the round of 16. We didn’t think they’d defeat Portugal in the quarter-finals. On paper, Les Bleus should win comfortably but soccer isn’t played on paper. Morocco have become the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup; can they defy the odds yet again?

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Who plays on today, Wednesday, 14 December?

14 December: Al Bayt Stadium: France 2-0 Morocco 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT

Third Place play-off

17 December: Khalifa International: Croatia-France/Morocco 10:00 am ET / 07:00 am PT

When is the World Cup final?

18 December: Lusail Stadium: Argentina-France/Morocco 10:00 am ET / 07:00 am PT