World Cup Quarter-Finals Player Props Picks: Today’s Best Value Plays (7/9)

BettingThePitch

Written by: BettingThePitch

Published: Thu Jul 09, 2026, 8:00 am ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

Kylian Mbappe is looking to be the first back to back Golden Boot winner in World Cup history - Golden Boot Picks

FIFA World Cup

I can't believe we've already reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

It's bittersweet knowing we're entering the final stretch, but what an incredible tournament it has been. The best players in the world came to the United States and played in front of sold-out crowds for 27 straight days.

The host nations have done an outstanding job, and the atmosphere has been incredible from start to finish. I can't wait to see who is still standing when it's all over.

There's only one match on today's slate, so let's dive into my favorite plays.

Featured Plays

Kylian Mbappé Anytime Goalscorer

This is definitely the square play of the day.

That doesn't mean there isn't value here.

Yes, Morocco have one of the best defensive units left in the tournament. They will also look to press high and attack whenever possible.

That style should create more space than France saw against Paraguay in the previous round.

The Golden Boot race is as tight as it's been all tournament. Four players still have a legitimate shot at winning the award.

After Lionel Messi found the net again for Argentina, you know Mbappé will be eager to respond.

These two teams also met at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. France controlled that semifinal and advanced with a 2-0 victory.

I believe this French squad is even stronger than the one that reached the final four years ago. Morocco remain an excellent side, but they look very similar to that 2022 team.

Mbappé has been doing the same thing throughout this tournament. He creates space, generates chances, and finishes when it matters most.

At this price, I'm more than happy to back him to find the scoresheet once again.

Play: Kylian Mbappé Anytime Goalscorer (-110)

Achraf Hakimi 2+ Shots

Hakimi and Morocco face a familiar foe in the Quarterfinals. Can they get past the French this time? World Cup Quarterfinals Preview

Hakimi and Morocco face a familiar foe in the Quarterfinals. Can they get past the French this time?

If Morocco are going to pull off the upset, Achraf Hakimi will have to lead the way.

He is one of the best attacking fullbacks in world football. His overlapping runs and ability to attack wide spaces constantly put defenses under pressure.

France have an outstanding back line, but they have shown moments of vulnerability during this tournament.

Morocco need to challenge that defense early and often. If they fall behind, Hakimi should become even more involved going forward.

That game script would likely lead to several shooting opportunities, especially from outside the penalty area.

Hakimi is averaging 2.44 shots per 90 minutes at this World Cup. Last season, he averaged 1.77 shots per 90 minutes for Paris Saint-Germain.

He also averaged 1.5 shots per 90 minutes at the Africa Cup of Nations. During Morocco's Olympic campaign, that number climbed to 2.0 shots per 90.

Hakimi managed only one shot when these teams met in 2022. I expect him to be much more aggressive this time around.

Morocco will need their captain to set the tone. I like his chances of putting at least two shots on goal.

Play: Achraf Hakimi 2+ Shots (+125)

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BettingThePitch
BettingThePitch

Just a guy who loves sports, soccer and beating the books!

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