Belgium was fortunate to emerge with three points from their opening fixture. Expected Goals favoured Canada by 2.88 to 0.99 against the Red Devils, with Canada having 22 shots. Belgium didn’t look like the world’s number two-ranked side, but 22nd-ranked Morocco justified that position, earning a creditable point against the 2018 Finalists, Croatia. Despite only having 35% possession, Morocco kept Luka Modriċ and co to just two shots on target and was only edged 0.96 to 0.51 in terms of Expected Goals.

Contrasting formations are likely to be on show in this game, with Morocco expected to opt for a 4-3-3 set-up, and Belgium likely to re-use the 3-4-2-1 formation seen against Canada — with Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard playing behind the striker. With Romelu Lukaku still making his way back from injury, that striking role is likely to go to Michy Batshuayi again. This is the first meeting between these two nations since Belgium triumphed 1-0 at the 1994 World Cup. A repeat of that outcome would guarantee Belgium a place in the last 16.