France booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 2-0 victory over Morocco in Boston, ending the Atlas Lions’ remarkable 35-match unbeaten run and repeating the heartbreak they inflicted on the North Africans in the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
After a tightly contested first half, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced another moment of brilliance by saving Kylian Mbappé’s penalty following a lengthy VAR review, keeping the score level and giving the African side hope of another famous comeback.
However, Didier Deschamps’ side eventually found the breakthrough in the 60th minute when captain Kylian Mbappé curled home a superb finish, registering his 20th goal in just 20 FIFA World Cup appearances—another extraordinary milestone in the career of one of football’s brightest stars.
Just six minutes later, Ousmane Dembélé doubled France’s advantage with a composed finish after another incisive attacking move. The goal took the winger’s tally at the tournament to five goals and two assists, underlining his outstanding contribution to France’s impressive campaign.
The victory sends France into a third consecutive FIFA World Cup semi-final, where Les Bleus will now await the winner of the quarter-final clash between Spain and Belgium as they continue their pursuit of another world title. France have also kept clean sheets throughout the knockout stages, further highlighting their defensive solidity alongside their attacking firepower.
Although Morocco fell short of matching their historic semi-final appearance at Qatar 2022, their campaign once again earned admiration across the football world. The Atlas Lions displayed resilience, discipline and quality throughout the tournament, reinforcing their status as one of international football’s emerging powerhouses.
Their defeat may have brought an end to an unforgettable World Cup journey, but Morocco leave the tournament with immense pride after inspiring millions across Africa and beyond. With the nation set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the future remains incredibly bright for Moroccan football.
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