France secured a spot in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Morocco in Thursday’s quarter-final at Boston Stadium. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé provided the goals as Les Bleus controlled much of the contest.
Mbappé opened the scoring in the 60th minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball in France’s attacking third and striking a shot that beat Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Six minutes later, Dembélé made it 2-0, finishing decisively after cutting through a Moroccan defence that was struggling to retreat in time.
The result keeps France unbeaten at the tournament at six straight matches, with every win coming inside regulation time. It also marks a third consecutive World Cup semi-final appearance for the team. France will now play the winner of Friday’s quarter-final between Spain and Belgium.
Bounou was Morocco’s standout performer, producing a series of saves to keep the score tight for more than an hour, including multiple interventions in the second half before France found their breakthrough. Morocco did not create many clear-cut opportunities, and they were eliminated from the competition at the quarter-final stage for the second straight World Cup.
Mbappé’s strike brought him level with Argentina’s Lionel Messi on eight goals in the Golden Boot standings, though Mbappé has recorded more assists. He was substituted late in the second half after appearing to pick up a knock to his right ankle, with the seriousness of the issue not confirmed immediately.
Morocco, led by Mohamed Ouahbi, became the first African team to reach the World Cup quarter-finals in consecutive tournaments, following their run to the last four in 2022. Their campaign ends as Africa’s final remaining representative, with the nation scheduled to co-host the 2030 World Cup.
