We’re now into the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It’s time to preview the World Cup matches today to get you ready to enjoy the tournament in all its glory. The World Cup schedule today features the quarterfinal match between France and Morocco. Let’s break down today’s World Cup matches with the top players, biggest storylines, and betting odds to know for Thursday, July 9th. 

Today’s FIFA World Cup Schedule 7/9

We have one match on the World Cup schedule today as the quarterfinals kick off. France takes on Morocco at 4 pm ET from Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. You can watch it on FOX and Telemundo, or stream it on FOX One. Which country will punch its ticket to the semifinals in the World Cup matches today?

 

 

 

Best World Cup Match To Watch Today

Today’s World Cup matches may feature only one game, but it should be an entertaining one. France is the current betting favorite to win the tournament after winning all 5 of its matches thus far. The French are averaging nearly 3 goals per game behind Kylian Mbappé and arguably the world's best attack. 

France handled Sweden in the Round of 32 with a 3-0 victory. Facing Paraguay in the Round of 16 was a physical battle, but the French survived to win 1-0. It wasn’t easy, but they dominated possession and outshot the Paraguayans 15-5 by the final whistle. 

Meanwhile, Morocco is playing with a ton of confidence. The African nation has yet to lose a match in the World Cup. In the Round of 32, the Moroccans advanced past the Netherlands on penalty kicks. Then, they handed Canada a 3-0 defeat in the Round of 16. 

France is favored to win and advance, but Morocco will likely make it a tight match. Notably, this is a rematch of the 2022 semifinals, when the French won 2-0 in a competitive contest. The Moroccans actually had more possession in that game and went toe-to-toe with the then-defending champs. 

Top Players To Watch in Today’s Matches

The World Cup matches today feature several top players worth watching. Of course, Kylian Mbappe headlines France’s lineup. He’s scored 7 goals in the tournament thus far, trailing only Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot. Mbappe’s 19 career World Cup goals are also just two behind Messi all-time. Will we see him net a goal or two today? 

Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise also lead the French attack. Dembele has 4 goals and 2 assists in the World Cup, including a hat trick against Norway. Meanwhile, Olise’s 5 assists top all players in this tournament. Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola are also goal-scoring threats for France.

On the other side of today’s World Cup matches, Morocco’s attack is led by Ismael Saibari and Brahim Diaz. The latter has 4 assists in the tournament, which set a record for an African player in the World Cup. Saibari has a team-high 3 goals, but his fitness is in question after exiting in the 22nd minute of the Round of 16 victory. Wing-back Achraf Hakimi is also a key playmaker in the Moroccan attack. 

 

 

 

Biggest Storylines Heading Into Today’s Matches 

As we dive deeper into the World Cup schedule today, let’s look at some of the biggest storylines to know. France’s quest continues for a third straight World Cup final appearance. The 2018 champs are looking for their second title in three World Cups. The French look poised to return to the final after losing to Argentina in 2022. 

Morocco, meanwhile, is trying to get back to the semifinals for the second consecutive World Cup. As noted above, the African nation lost to France in the semis four years ago. That also sets up the revenge-game narrative ahead of this rematch.  

The Golden Boot is also still up for grabs, and France’s Kylian Mbappe is firmly in the mix. His 7 goals are just one behind Lionel Messi heading into the quarterfinals. Norway’s Erling Haaland also has 7 goals in the tournament. England’s Harry Kane is also a top contender with 6 goals. 

World Cup Odds Today at DraftKings Sportsbook

Now that we’ve set the stage for the World Cup matches today, let’s talk betting odds. Check out how the odds and lines shake out for the World Cup schedule today, courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. The moneyline and total goals odds are for regular time, while the odds to advance include any extra time or penalty kicks. 

  • Moneyline: France -180 | Draw +290 | Morocco +550
  • Odds To Advance: France -390 | Morocco +295
  • Total Goals: Over 2.5 (-105) | Under 2.5 (-120)

 

 

 

What Today’s Matches Mean For The Tournament

The tournament’s knockout rounds continue in the World Cup matches today. We’re now into the quarterfinals, with semifinal appearances up for grabs. The winner of France vs. Morocco will face the winner of Spain vs. Belgium in the semis on Tuesday, July 14th. 

If both betting favorites advance, then it’ll be France vs. Spain in a marquee semifinal matchup. However, Morocco is a live underdog to pull the upset. Can the last African team still alive keep its run going? Or will France continue its dominance?