World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal: Experts Predict France vs Morocco

On July 9, the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals serve up a rematch of the 2022 semifinal: France takes on Morocco. Kickoff is set for 23:00 Kyiv time. This time, Morocco is no longer a surprise package — Mohamed Oualhbi’s side has earned the right to be seen as a genuine medal contender after cruising through the group stage and dismantling Canada in the round of 16. Their trademark discipline, rapid counters, and relentless work rate are back, and they’re chasing history: becoming the first African team to reach back-to-back World Cup semifinals. Didier Deschamps’ France remains one of the tournament heavyweights, boasting attacking firepower and deep quality. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise are all in top form and can turn the game in an instant. But Les Bleus know this will be their toughest test yet, and fans are in for a no-holds-barred showdown. Top Ukrainian football figures have weighed in with their betting picks. Ihor Tsyganyk backs France to handle the resilient Moroccans inside regulation time, pointing to their superior class. His pick: France to win at odds of 1.61. Myron Markevych agrees completely, insisting the French must settle matters in 90 minutes rather than drag it out. He also takes France at 1.61. Viktor Vatsko, however, expects a cagey affair — both sides will prioritize avoiding mistakes, so he sees no more than two goals. His call: total under 2.5 at 1.9.