Main Match Story

France reached the World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a controlled 2-0 victory over Morocco at Boston Stadium, as Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé scored six minutes apart in the second half.

Mbappé had earlier missed a first-half penalty after Yassine Bounou comfortably saved his poorly struck effort, but the France captain made amends in the 60th minute with a superb curling finish from just inside the box.

Dembélé doubled the lead in the 66th minute after being allowed to run at the Morocco defence, and although Bounou got a hand to the low shot, he could not keep it out.

First-Half Analysis

France established control early and quickly forced Morocco onto the back foot. Mbappé tested Bounou from distance before Dayot Upamecano drew another save with a header from the resulting corner.

Dembélé and Adrien Rabiot also had opportunities as France continued to dominate possession and territory. Morocco struggled to escape their defensive shape and offered very little threat in transition.

The major moment of the half arrived when Mbappé was fouled by Noussair Mazraoui inside the area. After a lengthy VAR check, the France captain stepped up, but his stuttering run-up produced a weak low penalty that Bounou saved comfortably.

France remained on top despite the miss. Désiré Doué forced another save, while Lucas Digne struck the crossbar from long range before the interval.

Second-Half Analysis

France resumed with the same control and patience, continuing to stretch Morocco across the pitch. The breakthrough finally arrived on the hour mark.

Doué found Mbappé near the edge of the penalty area, and the captain curled a superb effort beyond Bounou to make up for his earlier penalty miss.

Six minutes later, the contest was effectively over. Dembélé drove at the Morocco defence and finished low, with Bounou unable to keep the ball out despite getting a hand to it.

Morocco rarely threatened thereafter. Their first and only shot on target arrived in the 83rd minute, by which point France were firmly in control.

Key Turning Point

The key turning point was Mbappé’s 60th-minute opener. France had dominated without scoring and risked frustration after the missed penalty, but his curling finish broke Morocco’s resistance and changed the rhythm of the match.

Key Events

• Early chance: Mbappé forced Bounou into a save from 25 yards.
• First half: Bounou denied Upamecano, while Dembélé and Rabiot missed opportunities.
• Penalty: Mbappé won a spot-kick after being fouled by Mazraoui.
• Penalty saved: Bounou comfortably stopped Mbappé’s weak effort.
• First half: Doué was denied and Digne struck the crossbar.
• Half-time: France 0-0 Morocco.
• 60′ – Goal, France: Mbappé curled in from just inside the area after Doué’s assist.
• 66′ – Goal, France: Dembélé scored with a low shot after Mbappé’s assist.
• 83′ – Morocco chance: Morocco registered their only shot on target.
• Full-time: France 2-0 Morocco.

France Team Analysis

France again showed why they remain the team to beat. They controlled the match, created the better chances and never allowed Morocco to establish a meaningful attacking rhythm.

Mbappé’s performance contained both frustration and redemption. His penalty miss was poor, but his response was elite, producing the decisive opening goal and then assisting Dembélé’s second.

Dembélé was equally important. His direct running repeatedly unsettled Morocco, and his goal rewarded an aggressive display.

France have now won six consecutive matches at the tournament and lead the competition with 16 goals from six games.

Morocco Team Analysis

Morocco exit after a disciplined but ultimately limited performance. They defended with commitment, but France’s pressure prevented them from building sustained attacks.

Bounou was outstanding for long periods, saving Mbappé’s penalty and making several other important stops. Without him, the scoreline could have been heavier.

The attacking numbers told the story. Morocco managed only five attempts and one shot on target, which arrived in the closing stages when the tie was effectively over.

The Atlas Lions leave with another strong tournament run, but France once again proved too powerful in a knockout rematch.

Final Score

Full-time: France 2-0 Morocco.

Half-time: France 0-0 Morocco.

Goals: Kylian Mbappé 60′, Ousmane Dembélé 66′.

Assists: Désiré Doué 60′, Kylian Mbappé 66′.

Venue: Boston Stadium.

Attendance: 63,811.

What This Result Means

France advance to the World Cup 2026 semi-finals, where they will face Spain or Belgium in Dallas.

Morocco are eliminated in the quarter-finals after another historic tournament run, but they once again leave having confirmed their place among the strongest teams in international football.

Man of the Match

Kylian Mbappé. He recovered from a first-half penalty miss to score the opening goal and assist Dembélé’s second, deciding the quarter-final when France needed him most.

Hot Stat

Mbappé moved level with Lionel Messi on eight goals at World Cup 2026 and reached 20 career World Cup goals.

Final Analysis

France 2-0 Morocco was another statement from the tournament favourites. Even after a missed penalty and a goalless first half, Les Bleus stayed composed, kept creating and eventually broke Morocco with two high-quality moments.

Morocco’s resistance lasted an hour, but France had too much depth, too much control and too many match-winners. With Mbappé and Dembélé firing, Deschamps’ side remain firmly on course for another final.