Mbappe fires France past Morocco and into the World Cup semi-finals

France beat Morocco 2-0 in Boston on Thursday to reach the World Cup 2026 semi-finals for a third straight tournament. Kylian Mbappe scored the opener after missing a first-half penalty, before Ousmane Dembele added a second. The result sends Didier Deschamps' side into a last-four meeting with either Spain or Belgium.

What was the score between France and Morocco?

France won 2-0 at Gillette Stadium outside Boston. Mbappe broke the deadlock in the 60th minute with a curling right-footed finish, and Dembele doubled the lead six minutes later. The victory kept France's bid for a third consecutive World Cup final on track and ended Morocco's run in the quarter-finals.

How did the match unfold?

Morocco had been expected to test France's defence, but Deschamps' side controlled the game from the start.

The Atlas Lions failed to register a shot on target until the 83rd minute, when Azzedine Ounahi's free-kick was pushed away by goalkeeper Mike Maignan. France, though dominant, could not find an early breakthrough despite sustained pressure.

Why did Mbappe miss his penalty?

Mbappe won a penalty in the 28th minute after being brought down by Noussair Mazraoui, but he had to wait several minutes for a VAR review before taking the kick. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved the resulting effort, keeping the scores level. Morocco held on until half-time, but France's pressure eventually told.

Who scored for France against Morocco?

Mbappe made amends for his earlier miss by curling a right-foot shot past Bounou from the edge of the area in the 60th minute, his eighth goal of the tournament. Paris Saint-Germain forward Dembele then made the game safe in the 66th minute, driving forward from midfield and finishing low into the bottom corner to put the result beyond doubt.

Who will France play in the semi-finals?

France will face the winner of Friday's quarter-final between Spain and Belgium in Los Angeles. Spain have not conceded a goal so far in the tournament and eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in the last 16. Belgium reached the quarter-finals after a 4-1 win over the United States and will be confident of progressing further.