Canada, grab your poutine and settle in—Thursday’s World Cup quarter-final in Boston carries a bitter sting for us.
When France and Morocco kick off at Gillette Stadium at 4 p.m. EST on July 9, Canadian fans will be watching the team that ended their dreams. Morocco eliminated tournament co-hosts Canada with a ruthless 3-0 victory in the Round of 16, despite only registering four shots on target. Though Canada dominated the first half, Morocco weathered the storm. Then, Azzedine Ounahi’s brace followed by Soufiane Rahimi’s goal in the second half sealed the match. Ruthless. Efficient. Now, the Atlas Lions stand as the barrier between France and a semifinal berth.
A rematch forged in 2022 heartbreak
This clash is deeply personal. The last meeting between these sides occurred at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where France won 2-0 in the semifinal. The Atlas Lions aim to avenge that defeat. Morocco arrives in red-hot form, unbeaten in 10 matches since their last AFCON final, and they smell a potential upset.
France, however, embodies the tournament favorites. Les Bleus are unbeaten in 12 competitive matches and have won their last seven. If they win an eighth consecutive game, they will become the third nation ever to reach three consecutive World Cup semi-finals.
| Statistic | France | Morocco |
|---|---|---|
| Matches unbeaten (recent) | 12 competitive | 10 overall |
| Recent wins streak | 7 straight | 5 straight |
| Goal margin in last 3 wins | 2+ goals | 1 goal |
| World Cup semi-final goal | 2022 (vs Morocco) | 2022 (lost to France) |
The Mbappé factor dominates
You already know the name. Kylian Mbappé is in outstanding form, scoring seven goals at this tournament. He is now one of only two players in history to reach seven or more goals in two separate World Cups—the other being Lionel Messi. A penalty against Paraguay in the Round of 16 was all France needed to grind past a stubborn opponent.
Morocco faces a critical challenge: focal-point striker Ismael Saibari is a major doubt due to a hamstring injury. He came off early against Canada, which significantly blunts their attacking threat.
- Mbappé has scored seven goals in this World Cup.
- He is the only active player with seven+ goals in two World Cups (alongside Messi).
- France’s penalty against Paraguay secured their 1-0 victory.
- Saibari scored in all group games but injured his thigh against Canada.
What’s the likely scoreline?
Bookmakers have made their call, and it isn’t close. France are heavy favorites on the moneyline, with Morocco listed as sizable underdogs and the draw sitting well behind. Betting markets lean toward a lower-scoring game, with the total set right around two and a half goals.
Reading the tea leaves, a 1-0 or 2-0 France win looks like the smart prediction. Thirteen of France’s last 16 wins came by two-plus goal margins, while seven of Morocco’s last nine World Cup defeats came by a single goal. Expect France to control the tempo, Morocco to defend deep and dangerous, and Mbappé to eventually find the key.
But if there’s one team built to spoil a favorite’s party, it’s this Moroccan side. Just ask Canada.
Prediction: France 2, Morocco 0 — though don’t be shocked if the Atlas Lions drag it to penalties and break a few more hearts along the way.
