France Reach World Cup Semi-finals

France vs Morocco ended in a convincing victory as Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scored to send the defending contenders into the FIFA World Cup semi-finals.

France secured a 2-0 win over Morocco in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals at Boston Stadium on Thursday, becoming the first nation to book a place in the last four. The victory keeps France on course for a third consecutive appearance in the tournament’s final.

The opening half ended without a goal, despite France creating several opportunities. Kylian Mbappe missed the chance to put his side ahead in the 28th minute after Yassine Bounou saved his penalty, leaving the teams level at the break.

France finally broke the deadlock in the 60th minute when Mbappe curled a superb finish beyond the Moroccan defence. The goal also moved the French captain level with Lionel Messi on eight goals in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot.

Just six minutes later, France vs Morocco was effectively settled as Mbappe provided the assist for Ousmane Dembele, who fired a powerful long-range effort into the net to double France’s advantage.

The result echoed the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when Morocco also suffered a 2-0 defeat to France. Despite another determined display, the North African side could not find a way back into the contest against the former world champions.

The victory over  Morocco confirmed France’s place in the semi-finals, where they will meet the winner of the quarter-final between Spain and Belgium as they continue their bid for another World Cup title.