African champions Morocco will look to take another step towards an unprecedented World Cup triumph when they face two-time winners France in the quarterfinals, in a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semifinal.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides the lowdown ahead of the July 9 showdown at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough.
France vs Morocco match preview
France enter this clash as one of best teams in the World Cup, although they had to labour through their last round with a 1-0 win over Paraguay. Didier Deschamps side breezed through their group stage campaign, defeating Senegal, Iraq and Norway.
They also thrashed Sweden in their Round of 32 clash as well, before beating Paraguay in their Round of 16 clash. Les Bleus are led by Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, as well as the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola.
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Morocco, meanwhile, have reached the quarterfinals for another edition and continue their quest to become the first African nation to win the World Cup when they face France. The Atlas Lions reached the last four in 2022 before they were beaten by the French side and will be eyeing revenge this time around.
They finished second during the group stages behind Brazil, before they went on to defeat Netherlands on penalties and also beat co-hosts Canada 2-0 in their Round of 16 clash to set up this thrilling battle.
France vs Morocco Head-to-Head
(Last five matches)
- 14.12.2022 – France 2-0 Morocco
- 16.11.2007 – France 2-2 Morocco
- 07.06.2000 – Morocco 1-5 France
- 20.01.1999 – France 1-0 Morocco
- 29.05.1998 – Morocco 2-2 France
France have edged the last five meetings between these two sides, winning three of these games and recording two draws, including winning when they met the last time at the World Cup.
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Eyes on the Quarter-finals π―#DimaMaghrib π²π¦ #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/T7a1gl7Q1N
β Γquipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) July 7, 2026
Best betting odds
Over 1.5 Goals – 1.28 (via 1xBet)
Prediction
This game has a rich history of producing multiple goals, and this game is expected to continue that trend, especially given the attacking quality possessed by both sides.
Recent form: France
France are in impressive form and have won all their games so far at the tournament as well, while they are also currently on a very long unbeaten run.
Les Bleus have kept three clean sheets in their five games and only failed to score three times or more in the 1-0 win over Paraguay in their last match.
Recent form: Morocco
Morocco are also on a long unbeaten run and are undefeated at the World Cup, although two of their games have ended in draws after 90 minutes.
The Atlas Lions have also kept three clean sheets and have scored multiple goals in all of their last three World Cup games, including the 2-0 win over Canada in their Round of 16 clash.
Player to watch
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
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Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has been one of their best players at the World Cup given how impressive he has been down the right hand side.
His pace and ability to link up with the attack will give Morocco a source of threat in the clash, although his potential battle with either Doue or Barcola is also one to watch out for.
