France Overpowers Morocco to Reach Semi-Finals

France secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals with a commanding 2-0 victory over Morocco. Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembélé sealed the win, keeping France on track for a third consecutive final appearance.

Despite missing a first-half penalty—saved by Morocco’s Yacine Bounou—Mbappé dominated the match. While tied with Lionel Messi on eight goals for the tournament, Mbappé leads the Golden Boot race due to a higher assist count. The miss marked the end of Mbappé's streak of 15 successful penalties for France.

This victory etches France into football history. They are now the third team ever to reach three consecutive World Cup semi-finals, joining Germany and Brazil. It also marks Les Bleus' eighth total semi-final appearance.

Dembélé’s goal was his fifth of the tournament, making him and Mbappé the first teammate duo since Brazil's Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002 to each score 5+ goals in a single World Cup. Alongside Michael Olise, France’s attacking trio has now contributed to 23 goals, breaking the 2002 Brazilian trio's record of 20.

Mbappé continues to shatter individual records. He is the first player since 1966 to register 10+ goal contributions in two separate World Cups. With 20 career World Cup goals, he sits just one behind Lionel Messi’s all-time record of 21.