Morocco vs. France Odds, Picks & Predictions Quarterfinals, July 9
After all the hoopla and the run up, the quarterfinal of the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup kicks off with a matchup as Morocco takes on France Thursday afternoon and we have you covered with our Morocco vs. France prediction. Morocco beat Canada 3-0 in their round of 16 match Sunday in their previous match. France dropped Paraguay 1-0 in their round of 16 match Sunday in their previous match.
These sides have met just once previously in World Cup play, a 2-0 win for France in the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup on December 14, 2022. Don’t forget to check out all the World Cup odds as the tournament progresses!
Morocco Trying to Avenge Previous Loss to France
Morocco in the World Cup
In 2026, Morocco makes their seventh World Cup appearance and their third consecutive showing in the field. The Atlas Lions own a record of eight wins, nine draws and 11 losses in World Cup action. Morocco enters this match ranked seventh in the latest FIFA rankings. The Atlas Lions finished group play with a record of two wins, one draw and no losses. Morocco finished tied with Brazil for the top spot in Group C though Brazil took the top spot on goal differential.
Morocco Last Match
Against Canada, Morocco may have been the visiting side but they took the crowd out of things as they earned the victory. The Atlas Lions won possession by a 55% to 45% margin in the match. In addition, Morocco owned a 4-3 edge in shots on goal despite a narrow 0.84 to 0.82 disadvantage in terms of expected goals in the match. In the first half, Morocco conceded the best chances and lost star striker Ismail Saibari in the 22nd minute to injury. However, they managed to hold the line and the teams went to the half scoreless.
In the second half, Morocco got in gear and that helped jumpstart the offense. Azzedine Ounahi scored in the 50th minute to give the Atlas Lions a 1-0 advantage. Achraf Hakimi assisted on the marker off a free kick. Ounahi made it a 2-0 score with his second goal of the match in the 82nd minute, assisted by Brahim Díaz. The Atlas Lions nearly made it 3-0 in the 85th minute but had a shot hit off the bar. Keeping the pressure up, Soufiane Rahimi closed the scoring in the 98th minute to secure the victory for Morocco. Yassine Bounou makes his 12th career World Cup appearance here, posting a 5-4-2 mark. In addition, Bounou recorded five clean sheets.
Saibari’s status for this match is unclear as of Wednesday afternoon.
France Seeking Berth in Semifinals
France in the World Cup
In 2026, France logs their 17th World Cup appearance and their eighth consecutive one. Les Bleus reached the title game in both 2018 and 2022, winning the former and falling in penalties in the latter. France owns a record of 44 wins, 14 draws and 20 losses in World Cup play after their win over Paraguay. Les Bleus entered the World Cup ranked third in the FIFA rankings. Les Bleus finished atop Group I with a record of three wins, no draws and no losses.
France Last Match
Against Paraguay, France took advantage of their depth to take down Paraguay in a tight, defensive struggle. That sent them on to the quarterfinals for the fourth straight World Cup. Les Bleus owned a 76% to 24% advantage in terms of possession in the match. In addition, France owned a 5-1 advantage in terms of shots on goal and owned the edge in expected goals by a 1.45 to 0.13 margin. The first half saw France own a massive edge in possession but the teams went off scoreless at the half. In addition, neither side recorded a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.
Early in the second half, France turned the power up offensively. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé both came up empty in the 52nd minute. That was followed by Bradley Barcola setting up Manu Koné in the 55th minute in what was the first shot on target in the match. After a penalty was called, Mbappé gave France a 1-0 lead by converting the penalty kick in the 70th minute. Mbappé had a couple more chances late but couldn’t beat Paraguay keeper Orlando Gill. On the other end, Paraguay didn’t generate much pressure and the match ended with Les Bleus up a goal. Maignan makes his fifth World Cup appearance between the sticks for France in this contest. He owns three clean sheets in the tournament. Make sure you keep track of the France World Cup odds as they progress through the tournament.
Aurélien Tchouaméni missed the match against Paraguay with a groin injury. His status is murky for this match.
Morocco vs. France Predictions
France to Win in Regulation (-175, DraftKings)
This one comes down to the experience factor. While Morocco is a battle-tested team, their run four years ago came at the hands of Les Bleus. Dealing with Mbappé, Dembélé and company is a daunting task for any side. In addition, Morocco likely is without Saibari, taking their ace out of the mix. While Ounahi had a big showing against Canada and Rahimi scored in relief of Saibari, neither is as dominant in the offensive end. France is the deeper side and their stars come up clutch to deliver a victory, punching a spot in the semifinals.
Over 2.5 Goals (-112, Betr)
We’ve seen both teams put up solid offensive production in this World Cup. France has averaged 2.8 goals per match in their five matches. They had scored at least three goals in each of their first four matches before being stifled by Paraguay and their 10-man low block. Meanwhile, Morocco has 10 goals in their five matches. The Atlas Lions turned in just two clean sheets so far in the tournament and it’s a daunting task trying to keep France off the board. This has the makings of a 2-1 or 3-1 type of match so take the over here.
Ousmane Dembélé Anytime Goal Scorer (FanDuel, +195)
While one can chase Mbappé, who enters the quarters second in the race for the Golden Boot, he does go off at juiced odds. By the same token, you can get Dembélé at a solid price of plus money. He’s no slouch offensively and has contributed nicely for Les Bleus. Dembélé has four goals plus two assists in France’s five matches in the World Cup. In addition, he has 14 shot attempts and five shots on goal in the World Cup. Plenty of attention is going Mbappé’s way, which may free Dembélé up for prime chances offensively.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
-
Morocco vs. France Odds, Picks & Predictions Quarterfinals, July 9
-
Get 25 Betr Coins on France vs Morocco World Cup Match: Use Betr Sportsbook Code LINESWC
-
Federal Judge Denies Injunction Request to Kalshi in New York
-
$10 Free on Signup, No Deposit Required on Yankees vs Nationals MLB: Use Dabble Code BTSLINES
-
Get 2 Sweeps Coins Free for Sign Up on Red Sox vs Mets MLB: Use Thrillzz Code LINESWEEP
-
$10 Bonus on Astros vs Rangers MLB: Use Kalshi Code PREMARLINES