World Cup What to Watch: France, Morocco meet for first time since 2022 semifinals
The 2026 World Cup continues on Thursday after a rest day Wednesday, officially kicking off the quarterfinals with a showdown between France and Morocco.
Here's what to watch.
France vs. Morocco
Thursday, July 9 | 4 p.m. ET | Foxborough, Mass. | TV: Fox
Odds: France -390, Morocco +290
Four years ago, France came out on top 2-0 and advanced to the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina. What is in store this time around?
Kylian Mbappé and Co. have breezed through the World Cup so far, winning all three group stage matches and both of their knockout stage games to get here. Les Bleus will be looking to reach their third straight semifinal and to become only the third team to advance to the final four three tournaments in a row.
Mbappé is tied for second in the Golden Boot race with seven goals, while Michael Olise's vision had led to nine defensive-line breaking passes.
Aurélien Tchouaméni missed the Paraguay match due to a groin injury, but has resumed training.
Ismael Saibari, who has three goals in the tournament, is a question mark after exiting the Round of 16 win over Canada with a thigh injury.
In order to break down France, the Atlas Lions will need their stars to be at their best. That includes Brahim Díaz, who has more goal contributions (10) of any Morocco player since January's Africa Cup of Nations, and Achraf Hakimi, who has 15 chance creations in the tournament.
