Disclaimer: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The predictions and analyses provided do not constitute financial or betting advice.
The quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are set, and one of the more interesting matchups that should be on everyone’s must-watch list is that of France versus Morocco.
These two nations finished 2nd and 4th, respectively, in the 2022 edition, and now their upcoming meeting ensures that one will place much lower than they did last time.
To make things even more interesting and exciting as we all watch along, we’re playing Daily Fantasy’s all-new Pick’em game mode. The premise is quite simple: just choose whether a player will achieve a stat that is higher or lower than the one on their card.
Here are some picks to get you started.
F Kylian Mbappe (Shots on Target: 2)
One of the best, if not the best, goalscorers among the new generation of stars, the French forward should be able to weave his way through Morocco’s stout defense and at least end the game with more than two shots on target.
Prediction: Higher
GK Mike Maignan (Saves: 2.5)
As of this piece, France leads all nations in goals scored (14) and is second in goals conceded (2), and the 31-year-old AC Milan keeper is integral in ensuring that stat. But with the French defensive line holding strong thus far into the tournament, Maignan might not be asked to do much shot-saving.
Prediction: Lower
RB Achraf Hakimi (Dribble Attempts: 2)
Morocco will need every bit of help and production that they can squeeze out of their players if they are to pull off the upset against France, and Hakimi can help break their sometimes shoddy defense with his on-ball skills on the attack.
Prediction: Higher
GK Yassine Bounou (Saves: 3.5)
France will have their hands full in trying to break down the Moroccan defense for much of this quarterfinal matchup, and there is no reason to believe that it would be impossible for them. That said, the Al-Hilal shot-stopper will have his hands full attempting to keep France from overwhelming them on the scoreboard.
Prediction: Lower
France is an overwhelming opponent for any country competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and their success depends on how the usual suspects, bannered by Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise, will perform.
However, Morocco should not be overlooked at all despite their 2022 run being discredited by some as a one-off Cinderella run.
With a spot in the semifinals awaiting the winner, this encounter will have no shortage of action and heated moments.
