FRANCE BOOK SEMI SPOT
France booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals with a commanding 2-0 victory over Morocco in Boston on Thursday, ending the Atlas Lions’ impressive tournament run.
Morocco defended bravely for lengthy periods, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou producing several outstanding saves to keep his team in the match. He was especially impressive when he stopped Mbappé’s penalty shortly before the half-hour mark, after the French forward had been brought down in the box.
That gave Morocco renewed momentum going forward, but France’s sustained pressure and superior quality eventually told. Didier Deschamps’ side-controlled possession and limited Morocco’s attacking opportunities.
Kylian Mbappé once again proved the difference, opening the scoring with a clinical finish before turning provider for Ousmane Dembélé, whose powerful strike sealed the result in the second half.
The victory sends Les Bleus into a third consecutive World Cup semi-final, where they will face the winner of the quarter-final between Spain and Belgium.
France remains firmly on course for a third World Cup title, while Morocco leave the tournament with their heads held high after another historic campaign that captured the imagination of football fans around the globe.
