France triumphed over Morocco with a score of 2-0 in the quarterfinals of the World Cup, securing a spot in the semifinals. The world vice-champions are now waiting to find out who their next opponent will be following a strong performance in the United States.
In the semifinals, France will face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between Spain and Belgium.
The match in Boston was expected to be one of the highlights of the tournament. France, a favorite to win the trophy, faced its toughest opponent so far. Morocco had nearly defeated Brazil in the group stage and came to the quarterfinals without any major issues.
However, against the “Gallic Rooster,” the “Lions of the Atlas” were unable to mount a serious challenge. Only goalkeeper Bono managed to keep hopes alive for Morocco, showcasing an incredible save early in the game when he denied a header from Upamecano following a corner taken by Dembele.
France Dominates Late Against Morocco in First Quarterfinal
This was just the initial strike by the French side. Kylian Mbappe skillfully maneuvered the ball and was fouled in the penalty area by Mazraoui in the 25th minute.
Referee Facundo Tello awarded the penalty, but the Argentine officiating team took more than three minutes to review the play with VAR, causing some controversy among fans who felt Mbappe lost momentum during the wait.
After a lengthy pause, Mbappe took the penalty but struck weakly, allowing Bono to make an easy save. Shortly after, the Europeans troubled the Moroccan goalkeeper again with Doue hitting a powerful shot that Bono barely deflected out for a corner. Digne then struck the crossbar, leaving Morocco to exit the first half unscathed.
Mbappe and Dembele Seal the Match in Quick Succession
Morocco’s situation worsened by the 60th minute. After a lackluster first half, Mbappe scored a brilliant goal from 15 meters, finding the bottom corner. This put France ahead 1-0, making Mbappe the leading scorer of the 2026 World Cup with 8 goals.
Mbappe now has a total of 20 World Cup goals, having participated in his third tournament.
Forced to push forward, Morocco had little time to respond as France extended its lead. Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele also shined, scoring with a low shot from 17 meters that found the far corner.
Injury Concerns for Mbappe
However, it wasn’t all positive for the vice-champions. Mbappe, who was struck hard, left the field injured in the 78th minute due to an issue with his right ankle. He was later seen on the bench with ice on his injury.
Mateta came on as his replacement. Additionally, a typical substitution for France occurred as Doue was replaced by Barcola.
Just after entering, Barcola nearly made it 3-0 with a strong drive that was saved by Bono. In injury time, Mateta also had a chance to score, but Bono prevented the goal with a foot save.
France concluded the match in style, confirming their excellent form.
FINAL » France – Morocco 2-0
Goals: Mbappe (60′), Dembele (66′)
For Mbappe, this was his 8th goal in the current World Cup and his 20th overall in World Cup history.
Mbappe had missed a penalty in the 28th minute, which was easily saved by Bono.
Starting Lineups
France (4-2-3-1): Maignan – Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne – Kone, Rabiot – Dembele, Olise, Doue – Mbappe
Substitutes: Samba, Risser, Akliouche, Barcola, Cherki, Gusto, L. Hernandez, T. Hernandez, Kante, Konate, Lacroix, Mateta, Tchouameni, M. Thuram, Zaire-Emery
Coach: Didier Deschamps
Morocco (4-2-3-1): Bono – Hakimi, Diop, Mazraoui, Salah-Eddine – Bouaddi, El Aynaoui – Talbi, Ounahi, El Khannouss – B. Diaz
Substitutes: Munir, Tagnaouti, Amaimouni, S. Amrabat, Belammari, El Kaabi, El Mourabet, El Ouahdi, Halhai, Rahimi, Riad, Saadane, Saibari, Sbai, Yassine
Coach: Mohamed Ouahbi
Referee: Facundo Tello (Argentina), assisted by Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chade, with VAR by Hernan Mastrangelo, all from Argentina.
Stadium: Gillette Stadium (Boston)
UPDATES
22:20 – French players are warming up.
22:15 – Conditions are sweltering in Boston.
The temperature in Boston reached 32 degrees, feeling even hotter due to high humidity at game time.
21:40 – First images from Boston.
The players from both teams arrived at the Boston stadium, with the Moroccans being the first to inspect the pitch. Fans began to take their seats more than an hour before kickoff.
