Koné and El Aynaoui set for World Cup quarter-final clash
Squad News·9 July 2026·2h ago

Koné and El Aynaoui set for World Cup quarter-final clash

Source: Forza Roma

Manu Koné and Neil El Aynaoui will face each other for the first time in their careers when Morocco play France in a World Cup quarter-final today. Both Roma players are named in the starting line-up, with a place in the semi-finals at stake. The fixture represents a high-tension encounter between two Giallorossi in contrasting phases of their development.

El Aynaoui has been one of Morocco's standout performers in the tournament so far and will look to continue that form, while Koné has recently reclaimed his place in the starting XI and aims to maintain his impressive performances. The match carries particular significance for Roma, with the club's present and future meeting on the world stage as both players compete for a spot in the semi-finals.

The world will be watching closely, and so too will Roma.

● AI Generated Summary

This summary was generated by an AI model. Always read the source for complete and accurate information.

Story Coverage5 sources on this story

# Roma Midfielders Face Off in World Cup Quarter-Final Two AS Roma midfielders will oppose each other when France meet Morocco in a World Cup quarter-final on Tuesday at 22:00 Italian time. Manu Koné and Neil El Aynaoui have both been named in the starting lineups, guaranteeing at least one Giallorossi player a place in the semi-finals. The match takes place in the United States, with outlets differing slightly on the venue: Forza Roma and Roma News place it in the Boston area, while specific stadium details vary across sources. Both players have impressed throughout the tournament. Koné has become integral to France's midfield under Didier Deschamps, while El Aynaoui has started every Morocco match and is among the team's most dependable operators. This marks a rare historical moment—Roma News notes it is the first time two Roma players have met in a World Cup quarter-final since 1998, when Luigi Di Biagio and Vincent Candela faced off in France versus Italy. The winner will advance to face either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals, with the match broadcast on Rai 1, RaiPlay, and DAZN in Italy.

AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.

Testo Originale / Source Text

È arrivato il momento. Oggi iniziano i quarti di finale del Mondiale. Il primo match è Marocco-Francia. E non sarà una partita come le altre. Non per la Roma. In campo, infatti, ci saranno entrambi dal primo minuto: Koné ed El Aynaoui. I due giallorossi si troveranno di fronte per la prima volta in…

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

Read original on Forza Roma

More Squad News

Koné and El Aynaoui start for their countries in World Cup quarter-final
Match ReportSquad News AI
1h ago

Koné and El Aynaoui start for their countries in World Cup quarter-final

Roma midfielders Manu Koné and Neil El Aynaoui have both been named in the starting lineups for France versus Morocco in the World Cup quarter-final, kicking off at 22:00. The two Giallorossi players will face each other as their nations clash in a match that determines who advances to face either Spain or Belgium, scheduled to play tomorrow at 21:00. Koné and El Aynaoui represent a rare instance of Roma players appearing on opposite sides in a knockout fixture at the tournament. Both earned starting berths from their respective managers, underlining their importance to their national teams at this stage of the competition. A third Roma player, Salah-Eddine, is also involved in the World Cup, though as a squad member rather than starting. The quarter-final takes place in America, with coverage available on M6 and beIN SPORTS 1.

Il RomanistaRead original →
Roma shift transfer strategy on Tresoldi: signing does not require Dovbyk departure
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
1h ago

Roma shift transfer strategy on Tresoldi: signing does not require Dovbyk departure

Roma are pursuing Brugge forward Tresoldi as a potential signing, with director D'Amico evaluating several profiles to strengthen the attacking department. The key development is a change in strategy: Tresoldi's arrival no longer depends on the sale of Artem Dovbyk. Roma remain keen to sign the player despite significant competition, notably from Atlético Madrid. The club could move to secure Tresoldi's services in the coming days, positioning him as a backup option to Donyell Malen in the forward line. Roma's attacking options are currently limited. Malen is the only guaranteed starter, while Dovbyk appears increasingly likely to leave this summer and Robinio Vaz could depart on loan. This shortage has prompted the club to explore offensive reinforcements, with Tresoldi emerging as the priority target. The revised approach signals Roma's flexibility in the market, allowing them to pursue the Brugge forward independently of other outgoings. The operation could take shape imminently, with the club now required to make its decisive move.

Chelsea clear path for Roma's Diego Moreira pursuit
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
1h ago

Chelsea clear path for Roma's Diego Moreira pursuit

Roma have shifted their attention to Strasbourg winger Diego Moreira after missing out on Mason Greenwood, with Chelsea's decision not to pursue the player significantly improving the Italian club's prospects. Moreira, currently on international duty with Belgium at the World Cup, has a €40 million valuation, which Roma sporting director Tony D'Amico will attempt to reduce. Chelsea hold a buyback clause in the attacker's contract, though the exact terms remain undisclosed. When Roma consulted with Strasbourg over a potential deal, they discovered Chelsea were not interested in blocking any move for Moreira and would not interfere. This green light has accelerated Roma's pursuit, though the club will wait until Belgium's World Cup campaign concludes before progressing negotiations. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is enthusiastic about the profile of players like Moreira and is known for bringing out their best qualities. At 21 years old, Moreira's stock is rising, and his World Cup exposure will further enhance his reputation. Roma believe a move to the Giallorossi would represent a sensible next step in his development before attempting a more ambitious leap.

Get Italian Football NewsRead original →

More on Neil El Aynaoui

Player profile →
Koné and El Aynaoui start for their countries in World Cup quarter-final
Match ReportSquad News AI
1h ago

Koné and El Aynaoui start for their countries in World Cup quarter-final

Roma midfielders Manu Koné and Neil El Aynaoui have both been named in the starting lineups for France versus Morocco in the World Cup quarter-final, kicking off at 22:00. The two Giallorossi players will face each other as their nations clash in a match that determines who advances to face either Spain or Belgium, scheduled to play tomorrow at 21:00. Koné and El Aynaoui represent a rare instance of Roma players appearing on opposite sides in a knockout fixture at the tournament. Both earned starting berths from their respective managers, underlining their importance to their national teams at this stage of the competition. A third Roma player, Salah-Eddine, is also involved in the World Cup, though as a squad member rather than starting. The quarter-final takes place in America, with coverage available on M6 and beIN SPORTS 1.

Il RomanistaRead original →
Koné and El Aynaoui set to start in France–Morocco World Cup quarter-final
Squad News AI
4h ago

Koné and El Aynaoui set to start in France–Morocco World Cup quarter-final

Manu Koné and Neil El Aynaoui are expected to line up from the start when France faces Morocco in a World Cup quarter-final at 22:00 on Tuesday, with both Roma players having impressed throughout the tournament. Koné will anchor France's midfield in place of Tchouameni, who is recovering from a recent muscle injury and will likely begin on the bench. The Roma number 17 is relied upon by manager Deschamps in the role, with Rabiot also available in midfield. For Morocco, El Aynaoui has become a fixture in the team's setup, starting in a 4-2-3-1 formation alongside Bouaddi under manager Ouahbi.

Il RomanistaRead original →
Koné and El Aynaoui to face off in World Cup quarter-final as Roma connection returns after 28 years
Match ReportSquad News AI
5h ago

Koné and El Aynaoui to face off in World Cup quarter-final as Roma connection returns after 28 years

Manu Koné and Neil El Aynaoui, both Roma midfielders, will oppose each other when France meet Morocco in a World Cup quarter-final at Foxborough tonight at 22:00 Italian time. The match will be broadcast on Rai 1 and RaiPlay, as well as DAZN. This marks the first time two Roma players have met in a World Cup quarter-final since 3 July 1998, when Luigi Di Biagio and Vincent Candela faced off in France–Italy at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. That match ended 0–0 after extra time and was decided by penalties, with Di Biagio striking the crossbar on Italy's final penalty. Koné has become one of France's key midfielders under Didier Deschamps, impressing in the round of 16 against Paraguay with 66 successful passes from 71 attempts, two shots, one hitting the post, four balls recovered and four defensive actions. He lines up in France's midfield alongside Rabiot. El Aynaoui has started every Morocco match and is one of the team's most dependable midfield operators; against Canada in the last 16 he completed 47 of 55 passes, made eight defensive contributions and recovered four balls. At least one Roma player will progress to the semi-finals. Both are in peak form and integral to their national teams' campaigns, ensuring the Giallorossi a significant presence in one of the tournament's biggest remaining fixtures.

Feedback