World Cup Quarterfinal Drama
Kylian Mbappe Misses Crucial Penalty for France Against Unbeaten Morocco in World Cup Quarterfinal
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Key Points
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Argentine referee Facundo Tello was in charge of the France-Morocco quarter-final in Boston, and he awarded the penalty after Noussair Mazraoui’s foul, with the decision subsequently confirmed following a Video Assistant Referee check.
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Mbappé’s penalty was taken after a delay of more than three minutes following the foul, with a stuttering run-up before the tame strike was saved by Yassine Bounou.
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Morocco entered the match unbeaten in 34 games, underscoring the ongoing run of form for the team as they faced France in the quarter-final.
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The quarter-final in Boston marked the first World Cup knockout match at that venue for these two nations, highlighting the unique location for this high-stakes clash.
Kylian Mbappé missed a penalty in France's FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal against Morocco in Boston, as goalkeeper Yassine Bounou dived left and saved the tame spot-kick to keep the score level. The Score reported it was the first time Mbappé had ever missed a penalty at a World Cup, a stunning stumble from a player who had seven goals in the tournament heading into the match.
The miss came after a delay of more than three minutes between the foul and the actual kick, a wait that drew fierce reaction from fans and pundits alike. 101 Great Goals noted the match ended goalless, as Morocco held firm against one of the tournament's heaviest favorites.
Three-Minute Wait Throws Mbappé Off His Stride
Argentine referee Facundo Tello awarded the penalty after Morocco's Noussair Mazraoui fouled a French player inside the box. The decision then went to a Video Assistant Referee check, stretching the wait to over three minutes before Mbappé could step up. Sporting News reported the lengthy delay left the reason for the hold-up unclear, as officials worked through the review process.
When Mbappé finally ran up, his approach was stuttering and unconvincing. He hit the ball tamely to his left. Bounou had already guessed the right direction and pushed it away with ease. Yahoo Sports noted the delay may have affected Mbappé's focus and routine, raising questions about how long reviews should take before a penalty is awarded.
Fans Cry Foul Over 'Rigged' Penalty Delay
The long wait before the kick sparked a furious response online. The Sun reported that fans accused the World Cup of being "rigged," arguing the drawn-out delay was unfair to Mbappé and handed Morocco a psychological edge. Clips of the lengthy pause spread quickly across social media, fueling debate about VAR's role in high-stakes moments.
VAR is the technology used to review referee decisions using video replays. Critics argue that when reviews drag on this long before a penalty, the shooter loses his mental edge. Supporters say the process is necessary to get the call right. This incident brought that tension into sharp focus on one of football's biggest stages.
Morocco's 34-Game Unbeaten Run Fuels Giant-Killing Bid
Morocco arrived in Boston on a remarkable run. They had gone 34 games without a loss heading into the quarterfinal, a streak that underlined just how far the team has come as a footballing force. Holding France — and denying Mbappé from the spot — was entirely in line with that form.
101 Great Goals reported the match ended goalless, suggesting Morocco's defense held firm well beyond the penalty miss. The North African side, who famously reached the World Cup semifinals in 2022, showed once again they can match the best teams in the world when the pressure is highest.
What the Miss Means for Mbappé's World Cup Legacy
Had Mbappé scored, he would have reached eight goals in the 2026 tournament. That tally would have placed him among the greatest individual World Cup performances in history. Instead, the miss marked a rare and very public failure for the French captain at the worst possible time.
The Score noted this was Mbappé's first World Cup penalty miss. He has long been considered one of the best players on the planet. But the Boston quarterfinal showed that even the biggest stars can crack under pressure — especially when left waiting alone on the spot for more than three minutes.
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