France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will next face either Spain or Belgium.
Published July 9, 2026
France defeated Morocco 2-0 with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembele to book their place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Mbappe scored his eighth goal of the competition in the 60th minute on Thursday, before Dembele doubled Les Bleus’ lead six minutes later to seal a clinical win at Gillette Stadium on the outskirts of Boston.
Recommended stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
With the win, the 2018 champions will advance to a best-of-four showdown with either Spain or Belgium on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.
African champions Morocco were seen as potentially a serious threat to France as they aim to reach the World Cup finals for the third consecutive year.
But Didier Deschamps’ side were always in control against a limited Moroccan side that failed to register a single shot on goal until French goalkeeper Mike Maignan parried Azzedine Unahi’s free-kick in the 83rd minute.
However, France struggled to find a breakthrough and missed a chance to take the lead in the 28th minute when Moroccan goalkeeper Yassin Bounou had a penalty saved by Mbappé.
Mbappe won a penalty after being brought down by Nousser Mazraoui, but a lengthy VAR check meant he had to wait several minutes before being allowed to take the kick.
Morocco managed to hold on at half-time, but it was always a matter of time before France’s relentless pressure paid off.
The breakthrough came on the hour mark, when Mbappe fired a stunning right-footed shot past Benou from the edge of the area.
Paris Saint-Germain star Dembélé made the game safe in the 66th minute, advancing menacingly from midfield and finishing low into the bottom corner.
France is currently awaiting the winner of the quarter-final match between European champions Spain and Belgium, to be played in Los Angeles on Friday.
