The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to deliver drama as France defeated Morocco 2-0 in a hard-fought quarter-final on Thursday, booking their place in the semi-finals for the second consecutive tournament. Kylian Mbappé was the star of the show, scoring a breathtaking opener and setting up Ousmane Dembélé for the second.
Mbappé at His Electrifying Best
It was a night of mixed emotions for the French captain. Mbappé saw an early penalty saved by Morocco’s Yassine Bounou — who has built a reputation as a penalty specialist — after a lengthy VAR check and delay. But the Paris Saint-Germain superstar showed his resilience, turning frustration into brilliance.
On the hour mark, Mbappé produced a moment of pure magic. Picking up the ball in a tight area with defender Issa Diop in front of him, he curled an unstoppable shot at 98kph (61mph) past Bounou into the far corner. The stadium scoreboard flashed the speed — a goal that left fans, pundits, and even opposition players in awe.
Minutes later, Mbappé turned provider, his intelligent pass allowing Ousmane Dembélé to arrow a shot into the bottom corner. Bounou got a hand to it but couldn’t keep it out. The game was effectively over.
France’s Relentless Pressing Game
Morocco entered the match with high hopes, having been a thorn in France’s side in the semi-final of Qatar 2022. But this time, Didier Deschamps’ side was simply too good. Their pressing game suffocated Morocco from the first minute, leaving the Atlas Lions with no option but to retreat and defend deep.
France dominated the first half, racking up 13 chances before Morocco managed their first effort on goal — a free kick slashed wide in injury time. Bounou made several excellent saves, denying Dayot Upamecano from a header and Doué from close range, while Lucas Digne smashed a drive against the crossbar.
Deschamps has evolved France’s style in this tournament, releasing the handbrake on his typically cautious approach. The result? A team that looks increasingly dangerous with every match and now stands just two wins away from a third World Cup in 28 years.
What’s Next: Quarter-Final Frenzy
France now await the winner of Spain vs Belgium, who face off on Friday evening in Dallas. The semi-final is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14.
But there’s still plenty of quarter-final action to enjoy first:
- Spain vs Belgium — Friday, July 10, 20:00 BST
- Norway vs England — Saturday, July 11, 22:00 BST — a blockbuster featuring former Borussia Dortmund teammates Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham going head-to-head. Haaland has already declared the pressure is all on England.
- Argentina vs Switzerland — Sunday, July 12, 02:00 BST — Lionel Messi’s Argentina looking to continue their title defense against a resilient Swiss side that knocked out Colombia on penalties.
England will have to travel from Lisbon back to London and then on to the match venue — racking up serious World Cup miles in what has been a grueling tournament schedule.
Other World Cup Headlines
In other news, USA star Christian Pulisic suffered a leg fracture in the Round of 16 loss to Belgium and will be sidelined for several weeks. Meanwhile, Newcastle United have agreed a £51.5 million deal for Switzerland’s breakout star Manzambi, confirming that Bruno Guimarães is not for sale despite interest from several top European clubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored for France against Morocco?
Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring with a brilliant curling effort, and Ousmane Dembélé added the second after being set up by Mbappé.
Who will France play in the semi-finals?
France will face the winner of the Spain vs Belgium quarter-final in Dallas on Tuesday, July 14.
When is the World Cup 2026 final?
The final will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The third-place playoff is scheduled for Saturday, July 18.
Upcoming Matches
| Match | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Spain vs Belgium | Jul 10 | Quarter-Final |
| Norway vs England | Jul 11 | Quarter-Final |
| Argentina vs Switzerland | Jul 12 | Quarter-Final |
| Semi-Final 1 | Jul 14 | Semi-Final |
| Semi-Final 2 | Jul 15 | Semi-Final |
| 3rd Place Playoff | Jul 18 | Playoff |
| World Cup Final | Jul 19 | Final |