Les Bleus secured three wins in the group stage and narrowly advanced past Argentina 1-0 in the quarter-finals, with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring the crucial goal in Bordeaux. The match was marred by post-game altercations, but France's defensive prowess remains intact.

Legendary French player and current coach Thierry Henry has drawn a comparison between his team and the 1990s French handball squad, known as "The Nutters." “I call my players the crazy guys, in a good way,” Henry said. “The Olympics are different.”

Although Kylian Mbappe is absent, France's squad remains robust with key players such as Alexandre Lacazette and Michael Olise. Henry will need to adjust his lineup due to Enzo Millot’s red card and Manu Kone’s suspension, as France seeks a spot in the final at Parc des Princes.

Egypt, aiming for their first Olympic football medal, have made an impressive run by topping their group and defeating Paraguay in the quarter-finals. Under the guidance of Brazilian coach Rogerio Micale, who led his country to gold at Rio 2016, and captained by former Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny, Egypt is looking to continue their surprising journey.

Spain, the gold medalists from the 1992 Barcelona Games, are hoping to mirror their recent Euro 2024 success. Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, who netted twice in the quarter-final against Japan, has been a standout performer. Pau Cubarsi, who has been formidable at the back for his nation, is expected to retain his place.

Meanwhile, Morocco will face Spain in Marseille. Morocco has impressed by topping their group and delivering a dominant 4-0 victory over the United States. Morocco’s squad, featuring players familiar with Spain such as Achraf Hakimi and Ilias Akhomach, is determined to make an impact. “We deserve to be in the semi-finals and if we keep playing like this we will deserve to be in the final,” said Akhomach.

“France and Spain are better sounding names given what they have done before. Morocco have not won anything. It is true that other countries might be talked about more than us but we know what we want. We came here to win.”