FRANCE roared into the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over Morocco at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, ending the Atlas Lions’ spirited campaign in devastating fashion.
Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 60th minute before Ousmane Dembélé doubled Les Bleus’ advantage just six minutes later, sending Didier Deschamps’ side through to the last four where they will face either Spain or Belgium in Dallas next Tuesday.
The result keeps France on course for a third World Cup title, having triumphed in 2018 and finished as runners-up four years ago in Qatar.
Mbappé Redemption After Penalty Miss
The Real Madrid superstar recovered from a first-half penalty miss to produce a moment of pure brilliance that ultimately settled the contest. Mbappé’s weak spot-kick was easily saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in the 25th minute after Noussair Mazraoui had scythed him down in the area.
Argentinian referee Facundo Tello immediately pointed to the spot, though a lengthy VAR review was required to rule out a foul on Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi in the build-up. Perhaps the delay got to Mbappé, whose effort was uncharacteristically tame.
But the world’s most expensive player made amends in spectacular fashion on the hour mark. Collecting the ball just outside the area from Désiré Doué, Mbappé used Issa Diop as a screen before curling a magnificent strike beyond Bounou’s reach.
It was the 27-year-old’s eighth goal of the tournament, drawing him level once again with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. Mbappé now has 20 goals in 20 World Cup appearances, within one of Messi’s all-time tournament record of 21.
Dembélé Seals Victory
Before being substituted late on with an ice pack around his right ankle, Mbappé turned provider in the 66th minute. His clever lay-off allowed the reigning Ballon d’Or winner Dembélé to advance on goal and curl a low shot into the same corner, Bounou’s outstretched hand proving unable to prevent the strike.
Dembélé now has five goals at this World Cup, but it was Mbappé who continued to hog the limelight in front of 63,811 spectators.
Morocco Bow Out with Heads Held High
The Atlas Lions, who had more of the crowd behind them, lacked a cutting edge in attack as France kept a third consecutive clean sheet in the knockout stages. The absence of the injured Ismael Saibari was keenly felt, with Walid Regragui’s side unable to trouble the French defence in the same manner that had seen them reach the quarter-finals.
Nevertheless, Morocco have plenty of reasons for optimism. The likes of former France Under-21 captain Ayyoub Bouaddi in midfield represent an exciting generation of talent, and they will surely be a force to be reckoned with when they co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
Deschamps’ Farewell Tour Continues
Les Bleus are looking to reach a third consecutive World Cup final in what will be Deschamps’ final tournament before he stands down as coach after 14 years at the helm. Having netted braces in the group-stage wins over Senegal and Iraq, as well as the last-32 defeat of Sweden, and scoring the only goal from the spot against Paraguay in the last round, Mbappé continues to carry his nation’s hopes.
France’s all-time leading marksman now has 64 international goals from 104 appearances, and his nation remain firmly on course to lift the trophy for a third time.
The semi-final in Dallas promises to be a mouth-watering encounter, with Spain and Belgium set to do battle for the right to face Les Bleus. For now, though, Deschamps and his players can reflect on a job well done against a Moroccan side that pushed them all the way.
