France vs. Morocco Picks – World Cup Quarterfinals Betting Preview, Team News, and Predictions (Jul 9)
- When: Thursday, July 9, 2026. 4:00 PM ET
- Where: Boston Stadium, USA
- How to Watch: FOX, Telemundo
France vs. Morocco World Cup Preview
The quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup get underway on July 9, as the red-hot favorites bid to book their spot in the final four in Boston. France have shown their offensive quality throughout the competition, but they will come up against Morocco in a rematch of the 2022 semi-final on Thursday.
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France Stats & Team News
Didier Deschamps is masterminding an excellent run for France in his final World Cup with the nation this summer. The French are aiming to achieve the unlikely feat of reaching three straight finals.
Les Bleus have been one of the dominant nations so far this summer, winning all five of their clashes. However, a different side to their game was required on Saturday, as they were forced to battle to a 1-0 win against a physical Paraguay team.
Kylian Mbappe’s penalty ultimately made the difference, with the striker having now scored an impressive seven goals this summer. Desire Doue could be recalled to the starting eleven after impressing from the bench in the previous round, while Aurelin Tchouameni is also expected to start.
Likely Lineup:
(4-2-3-1) Maignan (GK); Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Rabiot, Tchouameni; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe
Morocco Stats & Team News
Morocco are Africa’s leading contender at the World Cup this summer, and they will have their sights set on reaching the semi-finals for the second straight edition.
However, their journey four years ago was ended by France. But, the nation are a better team now than they were then, and confidence will be high after being crowned AFCON champions earlier this year. They have already shown their quality against world-class opposition this summer, holding Brazil to a draw and overcoming the Netherlands in the round of 32.
In the previous round, Morocco eliminated co-hosts Canada in straightforward fashion, with Azzedine Ounahi netting a brace.
Likely Lineup:
(4-2-3-1) Bounou (GK); Hakimi, Halhal, Diop, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari
Head-to-Head Stats
- This quarterfinal clash will be a third meeting between France and Morocco
- France recorded a 2-0 win in the semi-final encounter between the nations at the 2022 World Cup.
France vs. Morocco World Cup Picks
Morocco look better suited to pushing France to their limit this year than they did in the previous World Cup. The AFCON champions excel defensively, and their counterattacking ability will cause problems for the French, who have looked weak in the transition. Therefore, we could foresee a draw in 90 minutes, before the France quality shines brightest in extra time.
