Morocco vs France Prediction, Odds, and Pick: Heavily Favored French Punch Ticket to World Cup Final

Today, we have the second of this week’s two World Cup semifinal matches, with betting favorites France facing unlikely semifinalists in Morocco. The North Africans have shocked the world and defied World Cup odds to reach this stage in becoming the first African team and have all of the neutrals behind them.

Could we see history being made again here or will the French be too strong? Check out our France vs. Morocco World Cup picks and predictions to find out.

Morocco vs France odds

Morocco vs France picks and predictions

France face Morocco in a David and Goliath battle on Wednesday, with the French reaching this stage after beating England on Saturday. In truth, they were the second-best team on the night and relied on Harry Kane missing a penalty to win it, but they still showed their class by scoring two decisive goals.

As for Morocco, nobody expected them to reach this stage of the World Cup, beating Belgium, Spain, and Portugal on their to the semifinal — and there’s no way you can say they don’t deserve it.

Wednesday’s game sees a giant of the world game face the plucky underdog, but I’m sad to say that the party for Morocco will soon come to a close.

The Moroccans have been playing with incredible intensity, both physically and emotionally. From an emotional standpoint, it’s going to be hard to raise their levels once again after two of the most iconic victories in World Cup history against Spain and Portugal. We often see teams struggle after doing something historic and to do it yet again would be extraordinary. 

Then there is fatigue. At this point, Morocco are walking wounded. Noussair Mazraoui and Nayef Aguerd both missed the win over Portugal and could return, but they’ll still be carrying knocks.

The heroic Romain Saiss was stretched off after another central defensive masterclass and they’ll be far weaker without him. Then you have Walid Cheddira who will miss this game through suspension. Not to mention all the other players who have been through the games and are battered and bruised.

France have such quality across the pitch, but particularly in attacking positions that they’ll win this with ease. While many think it could be close, I’m of the belief that it’s one step too far for Morocco and they’ll lose by multiple goals. France -1 is +155 at some books and offers great value at that price, making it my best bet for the game. Personally, I’ll also be backing France -2 at +440 but it’s not quite as certain.

My best bet: France -1 (-104 at bet365)

Morocco vs France side analysis

We’ve spoken about the injuries that Morocco have that could see them play with a weaker team, but it’s still worth flagging that they have some brilliant players who’ll cause France problems.

Achraf Hakimi plays in France at PSG, Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech has been great at this World Cup, and then there’s Sofyan Amrabat, who has been a monster in midfield — breaking up plays, covering lots of ground, and making key contributions both defensively and offensively.

France went into the quarterfinal against England unchanged and they’ll likely do the same again, sticking with the 4-2-3-1 that has served them well. It goes without saying that Kylian Mbappe is their main threat, but England did well at keeping him quiet and Morocco will take something from that.

Olivier Giroud was lethal in front of goal against England and has been all tournament, but it’s Antoine Griezmann who is the star of the show, playing deeper than usual and pulling the strings for the team. He helps orchestrate the team’s attacks and also manages to drop in and support Rabiot and Tchouameni too, working hard defensively.

France have far too much quality but they will win this game because unlike Spain or Portugal, they are a far more cohesive attacking unit and one that can put teams to the sword, as we saw against England.

Morocco vs France Over/Under analysis

The bookies are expecting a low-scoring game with Under 2.5 goals shorter odds. That’s certainly going to be the way that Morocco will want the game to go and they’ll play defensively, hoping to steal a win as they have in recent games.

However, as I mentioned above, I think the class of the French will be too strong and I expect a heavy defeat. If France score early then this could get ugly with a big loss on the cards. For that reason, I’m going against the bookies and backing Over 2.5 goals here.

Morocco vs France game info

Morocco vs France key injuries

Morocco: Walid Cheddira (Out), Romain Saiss (Out).
France: No injuries to report.

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