World Cup 2026: France vs. Morocco Predictions

France vs. Morocco Overview and Latest Odds

Two-time World Cup winners and European heavyweights France are the favorites ahead of their meeting with Morocco, as per the latest World Cup odds. Didier Deschamps’ men got past the African nation in the semifinals at the last tournament thanks to a 2-0 win in what is the only previous competitive game between the two nations.

• Location: Boston Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States

• Date & Time: Thursday, July 9, 4:00 PM ET

• US Broadcast: FOX Sports

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Expert Betting Predictions and Best Bets for France vs. Morocco

Check out our expert betting predictions and best bets ahead of a seismic battle between France and Morocco at the World Cup quarterfinals.

• Both Teams To Score

France’s defense has looked quite strong throughout the tournament, conceding just two goals. However, they have overperformed in this area based on expected goals (xG) conceded, as they rank 11th in the competition, giving up 3.7. That means they are still giving up a relatively high amount of chances, and given Morocco’s attacking proficiency, we see the Atlas Lions at least scoring once against France.

There’s no question marks regarding the quality of France’s offense, which should be able to capitalize given the opportunities Morocco gave up to Canada in the Round of 16. At just under even money, this looks like a good value play.

• Kylian Mbappe To Score Anytime

The odds on Mbappe to score anytime aren’t the longest, but given how well the 27-year-old is playing at this year’s tournament, there’s enough value here. He’s already scored seven goals in five games and is on penalties. The game is expected to be much more open than the Paraguay match, which will lead to Mbappe getting plenty of opportunities.

• Lucas Digne 2+ Fouls Committed

Digne has been Deschamps’ preferred choice at left-back throughout the knockouts and is expected to start again here. Having committed three fouls in three games in North America this summer, the Aston Villa defender could be in for a tough game against Morocco’s dangerous right-hand side in Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz. The pair have won 2.62 and 1.86 fouls per 90 respectively at the tournament so far. Take this bet with confidence at plus-money odds.

France Betting Preview

France has hardly been tested at the tournament thus far, winning all five matches. They topped Group I ahead of Norway, Senegal, and Iraq before comfortably defeating Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32. It was a much closer affair against Paraguay in the Round of 16, as they needed a 70th-minute penalty from Mbappe to get past the South American side. 

The Real Madrid forward has been in excellent form this tournament, scoring seven goals, and is just one behind Lionel Messi in the goalscoring charts. Michael Olise has also impressed, acting as the primary creator for Deschamps’ side, providing five assists so far this summer.

Paraguay was criticized for their overly aggressive approach in their attempt to nullify the threat of France. Nevertheless, Les Bleus found a way to advance, with Mbappe himself stating that “we can also get our hands dirty.”

Aurelien Tchouameni was absent for the win over Paraguay and is likely to miss out once again here. That will likely see Adrien Rabiot and Manu Kone continue in the middle of the park.

Morocco Betting Preview

It hasn’t been completely smooth sailing for Morocco in either of their World Cup knockout matches so far. They needed penalties to get past the Netherlands in the Round of 32, while Canada put up a strong fight for large parts of the Round of 16 clash. It wasn’t until late on when the gaps started to appear in the Canadian defense where Morocco were able to exploit.

A huge injury concern to the in-form Ismael Saibari will be the primary issue for the Atlas Lions. He was forced off after just 22 minutes against Canada, and remains a serious doubt to feature in the crucial quarterfinals matchup here, despite traveling with the team for the France game. Defender Chadi Riad remains a doubt, too, after he missed the Canada outing due to a knee issue, but has been training with the team.

Nevertheless, Morocco will take comfort in the strong performances of Diaz, who recorded two assists against Canada, and Azzedine Ounahi, who scored a brace. Hakimi continues to be a major threat down the right-hand side as well, while Saibari’s replacement Soufiane Rahimi also scored in the 3-0 win over Canada.

How France and Morocco Match Up Against Each Other

Both sides look at their best when they are able to capitalize in transition moments. Morocco was able to make the most of a high defensive line against Canada when the Canucks were pushing for an equalizer, breaking away quickly on the counter. Deschamps will need to ensure his team do not leave too many gaps in transition and leave themselves open.

As for France, they too are strongest when they have space in behind the opposition defense to attack, utilizing the speed of the likes of Mbappe, Bradley Barcola, and Ousmane Dembele. Nevertheless, their attackers have the 1v1 ability to create problems, while Olise’s passing ability can help unlock Morocco’s defense.

While these two sides did meet at the last World Cup, and many of the same players will be going head-to-head once more, this is a different game altogether. No longer are the Atlas Lions the plucky underdogs who sit deep and frustrate their opponents. Mohamed Ouahbi has changed this team into a far more complete side. Morocco is now one of the serious soccer nations that can control games. That’s reflected in their average possession of 60.4% at this year’s World Cup, a significant increase from 38.6% in 2022.