Kylian Mbappé scored a stunning goal to propel France to a 2-0 victory over Morocco in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 9, 2026, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. After missing a first-half penalty, Mbappé's 60th-minute curling shot gave France the lead, followed by Ousmane Dembélé doubling the score just six minutes later.
France confirms their status as World Cup favorites
By overcoming their toughest opponent, France has solidified its position as a favorite to win the tournament. Following their semifinal win against Morocco in the 2022 World Cup, France continues to dominate on the global stage. Coach Didier Deschamps will now prepare his team to face the winner of the quarterfinal match between Belgium and Spain on Tuesday in Dallas.
Mbappé's performance was particularly noteworthy as he matched Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. He now has eight goals in this World Cup, making him the first player in history to score that many in two World Cups.
Morocco's strong showing in the tournament
Despite their loss, Morocco has proven to be a formidable team, reaching the quarterfinals after their historic semifinal appearance in 2022. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi has developed a young squad, with many players likely to return for the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
- Morocco's starting players are mostly under 30 years old.
- Midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is only 18.
- Morocco's strong defense kept France challenged, especially in the first half.
Mbappé and France's lethal attacking style
The French team's attacking prowess has been likened to street football, with players like Mbappé, Dembélé, and Michael Olise showcasing exceptional flair and technique. Their seamless movement and ability to capitalize on opportunities have made them a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Mbappé's record-breaking contributions to the national team continue to impress, as he became the first French player to reach 100 goal contributions, now totaling 101. His partnership with Dembélé, along with support from Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola, has created a dynamic offensive front.
“We just play like if we were playing with our friends in our neighborhoods,” said Barcola, highlighting the team's chemistry.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by ESPN Soccer. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
