As the excitement builds for the 2026 World Cup, France has established itself as a formidable contender, showcasing impressive performances over five matches. With just twelve days remaining until the trophy is awarded, the question on everyone's mind is whether Les Bleus can solidify their status by securing a victory in the quarterfinals against Morocco. This highly anticipated match is set to kick off at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 9, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
France's journey to this stage has been marked by resilience, particularly in their recent round of 16 match against Paraguay, where they emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win. Kylian Mbappé was the standout player, scoring the only goal of the game with a penalty kick in the 70th minute. This goal not only marked his 11th in the knockout rounds of the tournament—a record for a single player—but also brought his World Cup career tally to 19 goals. France's attacking prowess, which had previously seen them score at least three goals in four consecutive games, will be critical as they aim to regain that momentum against Morocco.
On the other hand, Morocco comes into this matchup with a wave of confidence after a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada, which unfortunately marked the elimination of the host nation from the tournament. This victory has propelled Morocco into their second consecutive World Cup quarterfinals. However, a vital concern for Morocco is the fitness of their leading scorer, Ismael Saibari, who sustained an injury during the round of 16 match and his availability remains uncertain.
Match Details and Predictions
As the odds currently stand, France is favored to win the match with odds of -175 according to BetMGM, while Morocco is positioned at +475. The total goals line is set at 2.5, reflecting expectations for an engaging contest. In predictions from USA TODAY, John Leuzzi anticipates a 3-1 victory for France, suggesting that they will bounce back from their previous challenges and that Mbappé will likely add to his tally with another brace, while Michael Olise could also score his first goal of the tournament.
How to Watch the Match
Fans eager to catch the action can tune in on Thursday, July 9, at 4 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast in English on Fox and in Spanish on Telemundo. For those who prefer streaming, options include Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers, and Peacock, NBC's streaming service that will provide the Spanish-language coverage.
As reported by usatoday.com.
