World Cup 2026 France Beat Morocco 2-0 to Reach the Semi-Finals

FRANCE · WORLD CUP

Kylian Mbappé recovered from a missed penalty to score and set up Ousmane Dembélé as France ended Morocco’s World Cup in Boston.

World Cup 2026 France ease past Morocco

France beat Morocco 2-0 at Boston Stadium to reach the World Cup semi-finals. Two goals in the space of six second-half minutes settled the quarter-final.

Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring before setting up Ousmane Dembélé. It was a convincing performance from the pre-tournament favourites.

Morocco battled hard but could not find a way through. Their impressive run ends in the last eight.

The Atlas Lions had reached the quarter-finals full of confidence. In the end the gap in quality proved decisive.

Bounou frustrates the favourites

The first half belonged to Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou. He produced a string of fine saves to keep his side level.

The biggest moment came when France won a penalty after Mbappé was brought down. Bounou dived low to his right and pushed the spot-kick away.

The save kept the tie goalless at the break. Morocco went in believing an upset was possible.

Morocco defended in a disciplined block and limited France to efforts from distance. Their organisation had already accounted for better-fancied sides in this tournament.

Mbappé responds in style

Mbappé answered his miss in the 60th minute with a moment of real quality. He shifted his feet inside the box and swept the ball into the far corner.

The strike was the 20th World Cup goal of his career. It underlined his standing among the tournament’s all-time greats.

The goal broke Moroccan resistance at exactly the right time for France. Suddenly the game opened up.

It was the mark of a great forward to respond so quickly to a setback. Many players would have been diminished by the earlier miss.

Dembélé settles it

Six minutes later Dembélé doubled the lead to put the tie beyond doubt. It was his fifth goal of a productive tournament.

Mbappé turned provider for the second goal, capping a decisive individual display. A goal and an assist made him the difference.

Morocco pushed forward late but never truly threatened an equaliser. France saw the night out with comfort.

Chasing two goals forced Morocco to abandon the shape that had served them so well. France were happy to counter into the space that opened up.

The numbers behind the win

According to FIFA’s official match centre, France controlled the contest and were rewarded once they raised the tempo after the break. Morocco’s resistance finally broke in a decisive six-minute spell.

By The Rio Times’ reading, France’s record at this tournament is remarkable. They have won all six of their matches and have not needed extra time once.

This is also the second straight World Cup in which France have knocked Morocco out. The sides met at the same stage of the knockouts in 2022.

What comes next

France advance to a third consecutive World Cup semi-final. They will face the winner of Spain and Belgium in Dallas.

Either opponent would offer a far sterner attacking test. France, though, look every inch a side capable of retaining their crown.

Their balance of experience and youth has been a feature of the run. Deschamps’ side rarely look troubled even when matches stay tight.

Why it matters

Morocco arrived carrying the hopes of Africa and the Arab world once again. Reaching the quarter-finals confirms their place among the game’s serious nations.

For France, the win keeps a golden era rolling. Few teams have sustained this level across three successive tournaments.

They are now two matches from lifting the trophy once again. On this evidence, few sides left will fancy facing them.

More: Morocco news in English, every day from The Rio Times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score in World Cup 2026 France vs Morocco?

France won 2-0 in Boston. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé scored the goals.

Did Mbappé miss a penalty?

Yes. Yassine Bounou saved his first-half spot-kick before Mbappé scored from open play.

How many World Cup goals does Mbappé have?

His goal against Morocco was the 20th of his World Cup career. He also provided an assist on the night.

Are Morocco out of the World Cup?

Yes. The defeat eliminated Morocco in the quarter-finals.

Who do France play next?

France face the winner of Spain and Belgium in the semi-finals. The match is scheduled for Dallas.

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