Canada fans should grab their poutine and watch closely, because Thursday’s World Cup quarter-final at Gillette Stadium in Boston carries a bitter sting for the co-hosts they once believed in. Morocco, who defeated Canada 3-0 in the round of 16 despite only four shots on target, now stand as the gatekeepers between France and a semifinal berth. Though Canada dominated the first half, Morocco weathered the storm, and goals from Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi in the second period sealed a ruthless victory that ended Canadian dreams.
This matchup is a direct rematch of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal in Qatar, where France won 2-0 and halted Morocco’s historic run. The Atlas Lions are driven to avenge that loss, arriving with ten unbeaten matches since the AFCON final and a strong belief they can upset the tournament favorites. France, however, remain unbeaten in twelve competitive games and have won their last seven straight. If they win an eighth consecutive match, they will become the third nation ever to reach three consecutive World Cup semifinals.
Kylian Mbappé is the focal point for France, having scored seven goals in this tournament and joining Lionel Messi as the only players to reach seven or more goals in two separate World Cups. His penalty in the round of 16 against Paraguay was the sole goal needed for France to overcome a stubborn Paraguayan defense. Morocco faces a significant challenge without striker Ismael Saibari, who is doubtful due to a hamstring injury after exiting early in the Canada match, which weakens their attacking options considerably.
Betting markets clearly favor France, listing them as heavy favorites on the moneyline while marking Morocco as sizable underdogs. The total goals line sits around two and a half, with bookmakers expecting a lower-scoring affair. Given that thirteen of France’s last sixteen wins came by two-goal margins or more, and seven of Morocco’s nine World Cup defeats were by a single goal, a 1-0 or 2-0 France victory appears the most logical prediction. France will likely control tempo, Morocco will defend deep and dangerously, and Mbappé will eventually find the breakthrough.
Yet Morocco has proven capable of spoiling favorites, as Canada witnessed firsthand. The final prediction leans toward France 2, Morocco 0, though the Atlas Lions could still force penalties and break hearts again in Boston.
