Will France vs. Morocco end in a draw?

Analysis

France aren't just the better side on paper, they've shown in this tournament they know how to manage tight knockout games and still find the winning moment. The Paraguay win was controlled, disciplined, and decided by one moment of quality — exactly the blueprint you'd write for this match. Morocco are built to make life uncomfortable. Low block, compact shape, dangerous on the break — we've seen this movie before in 2022. But here's the difference: Ismael Saibari is out. That's the man who would have been Morocco's release valve, the forward capable of punishing a French overcommitment. Without him, Morocco can park the bus but can't seriously threaten to win it. France have Mbappé chasing the golden boot and a squad deep enough to keep coming in waves. Morocco will battle, no question, but surviving ninety minutes of relentless pressure without a genuine outlet up front is an enormous ask. Knockout football can always get scrappy, and Morocco will make France work — but France have too many ways to break the deadlock before the whistle. Back no draw: the favorites have the match-winner and Morocco just lost theirs.