France Secures World Cup Semifinal Spot
France secures 2-0 victory over Morocco, advances to World Cup semi-finals with Mbappe and Dembele goals
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France are through to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup after beating Morocco 2-0 in Boston. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring from the penalty spot, while Ousmane Dembele sealed the win with a composed low finish, according to The Independent.
The result puts France firmly among the tournament favorites. Mbappe's goal moves him to the top of the Golden Boot race, and the team's defensive shape gave Morocco almost nothing to work with all game, Yahoo Sports reported.
Mbappe Penalty Breaks Deadlock and Tops Scoring Charts
Mbappe won and converted the penalty that broke the deadlock. The goal puts him ahead in the race for the Golden Boot — the award given to the tournament's top scorer. It was a composed finish under pressure, and it set the tone for a dominant second half, per The Independent.
Yahoo Canada Sports noted that Mbappe also produced a wonderful finish from open play during the match. His all-round display drew strong praise, though the headline numbers — goals scored and the Golden Boot lead — told the biggest story.
Dembele Seals It With a Clinical Low Finish
Ousmane Dembele was rated as the standout player on the pitch. He capped his performance by driving a low finish past the Morocco goalkeeper to make it 2-0. His movement and directness caused problems all game, according to The Independent.
Dembele has been one of the most dangerous wingers in this tournament. His ability to cut inside and create space gave France's attack a second dimension beyond Mbappe. Yahoo Sports described his display as one of the performances of the quarter-finals.
Maignan and Kounde Keep Morocco Shut Out
Goalkeeper Mike Maignan and right back Jules Kounde were key to France's clean sheet. Maignan made important saves when called upon, while Kounde won his duels and cut out several dangerous crosses, per The Independent.
Morocco rarely threatened, but when they did, France's back line held firm. The 2-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of how comfortable France were throughout. It was a near-complete defensive performance from a side that has now conceded very little in this tournament.
Rabiot and Kone Control the Engine Room
In midfield, Adrien Rabiot and Manu Kone were relentless. The pair made several key defensive contributions, breaking up Moroccan attacks before they could build momentum. Their work off the ball was just as important as what France did with it, Yahoo Sports reported.
France now advance to the semi-finals, where they will face one of the other quarter-final winners. With Mbappe in golden boot form and Dembele at his best, Les Bleus look like the team to beat heading into the final stretch of the 2026 World Cup, according to Yahoo Canada Sports.
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