BOSTON: France booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating Morocco 2-0 in the tournament’s first quarter-final.
Captain Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele starred as France became the first team to qualify for the last four, extending their run to a third consecutive World Cup semi-final.
France dominated proceedings from the opening whistle, creating several scoring opportunities. However, the first half ended goalless despite sustained French pressure.
Mbappe had an early chance to give his side the lead from the penalty spot after being fouled inside the box, but the Moroccan goalkeeper produced an excellent save to deny him.
France finally broke the deadlock in the 60th minute when Mbappe found the net. Just six minutes later, Dembele doubled the lead with a well-taken finish to put the result beyond doubt.
Morocco threatened to pull one back late in the game, earning a free-kick in the 82nd minute, but the French goalkeeper made a crucial save. The North Africans also squandered another clear opportunity before the final whistle.
Mbappe Sets New World Cup Record
With his goal against Morocco, Mbappe took his tally to eight goals in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026. He became the first player in history to score eight goals in two different FIFA World Cup editions, having also netted eight times during the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
