The 2026 World Cup quarterfinals kick off with a thrilling rematch as Kylian Mbappe and France take on Achraf Hakimi and Morocco on Thursday. This encounter revives memories of their 2022 semifinals, where France halted Morocco's surprising journey in Qatar. Now, Morocco returns as one of the tournament's strongest contenders, challenging France, arguably the best team in the field. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Betting Odds

• France: -420 to qualify for the semifinals
• Morocco: +310
• 90-minute money line: France -180, Tie +280, Morocco +550
• Over/Under for total goals: 2.5 (Over -102, Under -120)

Match Preview

France boasts a formidable attack featuring stars like Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola, under the guidance of coach Didier Deschamps. They are +180 favorites to win the Cup. However, their last match against Paraguay raised concerns, as the French side only managed a 1-0 victory through a penalty from Mbappe, failing to score from open play.

Morocco, known for their physical play, faces uncertainty with the availability of emerging talent Ismael Saibari, who suffered an injury during their Round of 16 win over Canada. His presence could be crucial against a resilient French defense.

Predictions

• Both teams to score: Yes (-112) - France has conceded only two goals, but with Morocco's offensive capabilities, this bet is enticing.
• Michael Olise to score or assist: (+105) - The Bayern Munich forward leads the World Cup in assists and is a strong candidate to impact the game against Morocco.

This matchup promises to be competitive, with Morocco aiming for a second consecutive semifinal appearance. France will need to exert considerable effort to secure their spot against Spain in the next round.