Belgium vs Morocco World Cup Picks and Predictions: De Bruyne Helps Unleash Belgian Offense

Belgium and Morocco square off in Doha on Sunday with a star-studded Group F finely balanced.

The clock is ticking for Belgium’s “Golden Generation” but this World Cup offers one more chance to deliver the trophy they crave. An ugly 1-0 win over Canada on Wednesday hardly established the Belgians as a tournament juggernaut, but it was enough to go top of the group.

Morocco made a solid start with a 0-0 draw against Croatia but will need to bring more attacking ambition to spring an upset here. That means relieving some of the playmaking burdens on Hakim Ziyech’s shoulders.

Learn more in our Belgium vs Morocco World Cup picks and predictions ahead of this key contest on Sunday.

Belgium vs Morocco odds

Belgium vs Morocco picks and predictions

If Alphonso Davies had converted Canada’s first-half penalty, this group might already have a very different complexion, but Thibaut Courtois rescued the Belgians and I expect that wake-up call to spark an improved performance here against Morocco.

Michy Batshuayi grabbed a share of the headlines with a clinical match-winning strike, but the tone of the Red Devils’ post-game comments made it clear they know their performance needs to be much better. 

While Morocco defended stubbornly against Croatia and grabbed a point despite having only 35% of the possession, the Belgians offer greater quality in the final third. Romelu Lukaku is still recovering from a hamstring injury, but Kevin De Bruyne, Batshuayi, and Eden Hazard pose a major threat.

In particular, look for De Bruyne’s play to go up a level. The Manchester City superstar did not have his usual influence on Wednesday but should be sharper here after adjusting to the conditions in Qatar. Expect his trademark surging runs to test the Moroccan midfield.

Roberto Martinez has solid attacking options off the bench too, with Leandro Trossard an ideal game-stretcher in the second half and Amadou Onana bringing pace and power in midfield against tired opponents.

Morocco could still push Belgium all the way and play its part in a high-scoring thriller, but I’m picking De Bruyne & Co. to hit top gear and find the net at least twice.

My best bet: Belgium team total Over 1.5 (+110 at bet365)

Belgium vs Morocco side analysis

Despite the Belgians’ shaky opening game and Lukaku’s hamstring injury, World Cup odds still believe in their attacking quality, with the Red Devils tagged as favorites here.

But Belgium has to play up to their potential for that bet to cash in – and Martinez’s unwavering loyalty to his long-standing veterans will be tested if the performance again lacks crispness and oomph.

At least Batshuayi seems determined to seize his opportunity. His moment of magic against Canada was a rare flash of Belgium’s attacking threat and he could thrive in the space left behind by Morocco’s rampaging full-back Achraf Hakimi.

Morocco stifled a talented Croatia midfield last time out with a 4-3-3 formation that can quickly shift to 4-5-1, so expect a similar approach here to slow down De Bruyne and cut off service to Batshuayi. But if Belgium gets in front, what’s Plan B for the Moroccans? We may find out on Sunday.

Noussair Mazraoui was stretchered off against Croatia and may be sidelined for this key game. Losing the Bayern Munich defender would be a big blow for a Morocco team that relies on his quality on the ball.

Belgium vs Morocco Over/Under analysis

Both teams battled through tight, tense opening group games, but this one could follow a different script, with plenty of attacking options and an expectation that they’ll raise their game offensively. With the pressure cranked up a little higher for the second group game, nerves could be a factor too.

Belgium kept a clean sheet against Canada, but had Courtois to thank for multiple key saves – and the Canadians’ speed and direct approach exposed some of the flaws with this Belgian side, starting with a lack of pace at the back. Ziyech, Sofiane Boufal, and Youssef En-Nesyri can take advantage, especially if Morocco can create turnovers and launch counter-attacks. Attacking Jan Vertonghen one-on-one could be a fruitful path for Walid Regragui’s men.

Though we didn’t see a lot of cutting-edge from the Moroccans in the final third in their opening game, I like the attacking firepower if it gets unleashed – and that could make for an end-to-end thriller. With the Belgium front three also likely to be slicker on Sunday, I’m leaning towards the Over.

Belgium vs Morocco game info

Belgium vs Morocco key injuries

Belgium: Romelu Lukaku ST (Questionable).
Morocco: Noussair Mazraoui LB (Questionable).

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