Kylian Mbappe delivered another match-winning performance as France defeated Morocco 2-0 at Boston Stadium to secure a place in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Despite missing a first-half penalty, the France captain bounced back in style, scoring his eighth goal of the tournament before setting up Ousmane Dembele for France’s second. The victory keeps Les Bleus on course for a third consecutive appearance in the World Cup final four.
France started brightly and nearly opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Dayot Upamecano met a corner with a powerful header, but Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was equal to the effort.
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Didier Deschamps’ side dominated possession throughout the opening half and were awarded a penalty after Noussair Mazraoui fouled Mbappe inside the box. However, Bounou guessed correctly to deny the French skipper from the spot, ensuring the teams went into the break level.
France eventually found the breakthrough on the hour mark. Mbappe produced a moment of brilliance, curling a superb effort into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area to give the two-time world champions the lead.
The 27-year-old quickly turned provider, threading a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Ousmane Dembele, who calmly slotted home to double France’s advantage and effectively put the contest beyond Morocco.
France controlled the closing stages with confidence, denying Morocco any clear route back into the game as they secured a comfortable victory.
The result sends France into the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the quarter-final clash between Belgium and Spain. The victory also marks France’s third successive appearance in the World Cup semi-finals, having lifted the trophy in 2018 before finishing runners-up to Argentina in Qatar four years later.
Mbappe’s latest display further strengthens his credentials as one of the standout performers of the tournament, with eight goals and another decisive contribution in France’s pursuit of a third FIFA World Cup title.