Olympic Games Paris 2024 Soccer Quarterfinals Morocco vs. United States

The group stage is over and the knockout round of the men’s soccer tournament is here. The United States men’s national team is looking to beat Morocco in the quarterfinals and attempt to win their first Olympic medal in soccer. 

Morocco has proven why they were seen as a contender for a medal at these Olympics. An opening-day win over a heavily favored Argentina squad got them off on the right foot, and despite a stumble against a 10-men Ukraine side they finished the group stage strong. Cruising by Iraq in a 3-0 victory and securing themselves the top spot in their group. 

The United States had a tough start, they had their hardest match on the opening day going up against France and losing 3-0. Convincing wins over New Zealand and Guinea got the Americans back on track. The USMNT have grown into the tournament and have shown a tactical flexibility that has helped them unlock their opponents’ defenses.

Morocco’s squad has been performing well and one player in particular who has shined is Soufiane Rahimi. He has scored in every single match thus far, notching a total of four goals. Achraf Hakimi is the star name and has been important in the defense as well as in the Moroccan attack using his talent to affect the game. As always they are a well-drilled squad and limit their mistakes making them a tough opponent. 

For the USMNT, captain Tanner Tessmann has been bringing a lot of energy in the midfield, and in their more recent match a change to their front line seemed to make their account more free-flowing. Paxten Aaronson took over the #9 from Duncan McGuire moving from the wings and acting as a false nine. That allowed Griffin Yow to make the starting 11 as a winger and gave the States a different profile. It may have been against inferior competition but the Stars and Stripes have looked a lot stronger. 

Men’s Olympic Soccer Quarterfinals Morocco vs. United States Best Bet

Morocco has a recent history of good performances at international tournaments. Their most recent World Cup saw them make it all the way to the semifinals. They’ve built on that momentum and have fielded a squad that is well-drilled and talented, with the capacity to make things difficult for anybody. A popular dark horse pick coming into the tournament they will take advantage of a USMNT that is still figuring itself out. 

Best Bet: Morocco to Qualify for the Next Round (-148)

Men’s Olympic Soccer Quarterfinals Morocco vs. United States Best Prop Bet

Both teams have been a part of high-scoring games, and in the games that they’ve won have scored in the first half. Despite this being the knockout stages, with the amount of youth on the pitch theirs a high chance of an open game. The attacking quality has been on display and the defending from both teams has not been at the highest level at all times, I’m expecting a high-scoring game that comes out of the gate hot. 

Best Prop: Both Teams To Score in First Half (+340)

Men’s Olympic Soccer Quarterfinals Morocco vs. United States Prediction

Despite the narratives around the two teams, I do believe this will be a close game. While the state of U.S. soccer is a bit chaotic in the aftermath of a disappointing Copa America, the Under-23s have used the Olympics as a platform and have acquitted themselves well. Still, Morocco will be the best team they’ve played since their opening match against France and it won’t be smooth sailing. Morocco has a great traveling support that turns matches into de facto home games, and their win over Argentina shows the level they are capable of when they are at their best. The Atlas Lions will continue their Olympic journey beating the United States. 

Morocco 3 – United States 1