​The 2026 World Cup resumes Thursday after a rest day on Wednesday, officially opening the quarterfinals with a pivotal clash between France and Morocco. Here’s what to watch as the action returns.
Thursday, July 9, 4:00 p.m. ET, Foxborough, Massachusetts. TV coverage on Fox. Odds: France -390, Morocco +290.
In 2022, France defeated Morocco 2-0 on their way to the final against Argentina, and this time the stakes feel just as high as the two teams collide in a bid to reach the last four. France heads into the quarterfinals with momentum, having cruised through the group stage undefeated and swept their first two knockout rounds. If they can continue that form, the Les Bleus will be chasing a third consecutive semifinal appearance and aim to join an elite group of teams to reach the final four in three straight World Cups.
Kylian Mbappé has carried much of the load for France, sitting near the top of the Golden Boot standings with seven goals so far. He isn’t alone in providing a spark, as Michael Olise’s incisive passing has helped unlock defenses with nine passes that pierced lines. The French squad also features a blend of experience and youth, ready to impose their quality on a Moroccan side that has shown resilience and creativity throughout the tournament.
France’s squad news includes a couple of notable updates. Aurélien Tchouaméni, who had to miss the Paraguay match with a groin injury, has resumed training and could return to the lineup to bolster the midfield engine room. Ismael Saibari, who has been a bright spark for Morocco with three goals in the tournament, is listed as a doubt after withdrawing from the Round of 16 win over Canada with a thigh issue. His absence or presence could influence how Morocco attacks the French defense.
To topple France, the Atlas Lions will need their stars to perform at peak level. Brahim Díaz has been a standout contributor for Morocco, registering more goal contributions (10) than any other Morocco player since January’s Africa Cup of Nations, underscoring his influence in the buildup and finishing quality. Achraf Hakimi, meanwhile, has created opportunities at a brisk pace, tallying 15 chances in the tournament and illustrating how Morocco can stretch and test France on the wings and from wide areas.
The tactical battle is set to be fascinating. Morocco will likely lean on quick transitions, high-intensity pressing, and reliance on the technical quality of players like Díaz to unlock a compact French defense. France, with Mbappé as a focal point and a midfield that can control tempo, will look to exploit any space behind Morocco’s back line and exploit their own superior depth and experience to control the game’s tempo and key moments.
As the teams prepare for a high-stakes showdown, fans should watch for how Morocco handles France’s dynamic attack in the opening half-hour, whether their defensive organization can withstand sustained pressure, and how Mbappé’s pace and finishing ability challenge a Moroccan defense that has already demonstrated resilience in this tournament. The result could hinge on the effectiveness of set pieces, the accuracy of final-third passes, and which side can impose its game plan most consistently over 90 minutes.
Note: For bettors and fans analyzing the odds, France enters the match as the favorite, reflecting their track record and star power, while Morocco is poised to pull off a potential upset if their creative playmakers can outmaneuver a well-drilled French defense. The match will be broadcast on Fox in the United States, with kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m. ET in Foxborough, Massachusetts.