Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scored as France defeated Morocco 2-0 on July 9, 2026, securing their spot in the World Cup semifinals at the Gillette Stadium in Boston. Mbappe netted his eighth goal of the tournament in the 60th minute, followed by Dembele's goal six minutes later, ensuring a decisive victory.
France's Dominance in the Match
Throughout the match, France remained in control against a Moroccan side that struggled to pose a significant threat. Despite Morocco entering the match as African champions, they failed to register a single shot on goal until the 83rd minute when Azzedine Ounahi attempted a free-kick that was saved by Mike Maignan.
France's early opportunities included a penalty kick awarded to Mbappe, who was fouled by Noussair Mazraoui. However, the penalty was saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, keeping the game scoreless until the second half.
Key Moments of the Quarterfinal
The turning point came in the second half when Mbappe curled a stunning shot from the edge of the area, putting France ahead at 1-0. Just six minutes later, Dembele sealed the victory with a low shot into the bottom corner, showcasing France's attacking prowess.
- Mbappe's goal: 60th minute
- Dembele's goal: 66th minute
- Morocco's shot on goal: 83rd minute
- Penalty missed by Mbappe: 28th minute
Looking Ahead: France's Semifinal Challenge
With this victory, France advances to face either Spain or Belgium in the semifinals, set to take place in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday. The 2018 World Cup champions are aiming for their third consecutive final appearance.
The quarterfinal match highlighted France's resilience and tactical superiority, as they managed to break down Morocco's defense and capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
