Qatar World Cup: Hakimi, Mbappe 'bromance' on pause as Morocco v France lock horns semi-final

Paris St Germain (PSG) stars Achraf Hakimi and Kylian Mbappe will lock horns in Wednesday evening's World Cup semi-final clash, pitting the two teammates and friends against each other.

The players have spoken of their friendship long before the France v Morocco game, but now with the stakes high, the "bromance" has been put on pause.

"After we play against Morocco, I have to destroy my friend," French forward Mbappe said in a video on a trip to Qatar in January with their club PSG.

"I'm going to kick him," a smiling Hakimi responded.

The pair have also appeared in many videos together, and share a signature celebration which they often perform together. Hakimi, who scored Morocco's winning penalty against Spain, performed the penguin walk without his mate.

The two friends have been in contact during the tournament, however, with Mbappe visiting Hakimi during a day off to congratulate him on Morocco's win streak.

Hakimi, who plays right-back, will directly face Mbappe who will be on France's left flank. The pair have been teammates since 2021 when Hakimi joined PSG from Inter Milan.

Despite the closeness of the pair, Morocco manager Walid Regragui believes his man will have the edge over France’s star attacker.

"I have no doubt that Hakimi will be on top form to get the better of his friend," Regragui told reporters on Tuesday.

Mbappe, 23, now sits neck-and-neck with Argentina star Lionel Messi in the running to win the World Cup's Golden Boot award for most goals scored, with five goals each.

He has also provided two assists for Les Bleus in the tournament, making him a key part of their attack.

Morocco, however, has only conceded one goal during the tournament - an own goal.

France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris believes that the magnitude of Wednesday's game will mean team and country first.

"The event will take over. Even if you're friends off the pitch, it's the World Cup so you separate the two," he told reporters. 

Morocco will face France at Doha's Al Bayt-stadium to decide who will go on to play Argentina in the final.

France, the defending champions, enter the match as the favourites, however would be wise not to let their guard down against a Morocco side that has pulled out several surprises during the tournament.

Having reached this stage, Regragui's squad has already made history by becoming the first from an Arab, African and Muslim-majority state to reach the World Cup's last eight.