BOSTON, USA – France booked their place in a third consecutive FIFA World Cup semi-final after defeating Morocco 2-0 in a hard-fought quarter-final at Boston Stadium on Thursday, ending the Atlas Lions’ remarkable campaign in North America.
The 2018 world champions were made to work for their victory after Morocco frustrated them throughout the first half, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou producing another outstanding display, including a crucial penalty save from Kylian Mbappé.
Despite dominating possession and creating the better opportunities, Didier Deschamps’ side went into the break level after Mbappé squandered a golden chance from the spot. The Real Madrid superstar saw his tame penalty comfortably saved by Bounou after a lengthy VAR delay, giving Morocco renewed belief.
France’s Kylian Mbappé unleashes a shot on goal during the FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Morocco at Boston Stadium. Mbappé recovered from an earlier penalty miss to score as Les Bleus secured a 2-0 victory and advanced to the semi-finals.
The Atlas Lions, who had become the last African nation standing in the tournament, defended resolutely and attempted to strike on the counterattack through Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz and Chemsdine Talbi. However, the absence of influential midfielder Ismael Saibari significantly reduced Morocco’s attacking threat.
France eventually found the breakthrough just after the hour mark.
Mbappé reminded the world why he remains one of football’s biggest stars, collecting possession on the edge of the area before curling an unstoppable effort beyond Bounou in the 60th minute to register his 20th FIFA World Cup goal.
The opener shifted the momentum firmly in France’s favour. Only six minutes later, Ousmane Dembélé doubled Les Bleus’ advantage with a clinical strike from outside the penalty area. Although Bounou managed to get a hand to the shot, he could not prevent it from finding the bottom corner as France took complete control of the contest.
Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi battles for possession with France forward Désiré Doué during the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on July 9, 2026. France won 2-0 to advance to the semi-finals.
Morocco attempted to respond, introducing Sofyan Amrabat, Soufiane Rahimi and Zakaria El Ouahdi from the bench, but France’s experienced backline, marshalled by Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé and goalkeeper Mike Maignan, remained largely untroubled.
Hakimi and Azzedine Ounahi tried to inspire a late comeback, with Morocco forcing a series of set-pieces in the closing stages, but clear-cut opportunities proved difficult to come by as the French defence comfortably saw out the match.
Jean-Philippe Mateta almost added a third goal in stoppage time, only for Bounou to make yet another excellent save to prevent a heavier defeat.
France forward Kylian Mbappé shares a moment with head coach Didier Deschamps after being substituted during the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Morocco at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on July 9, 2026. Mbappé scored the opening goal as France secured a 2-0 victory to reach the semi-finals.
The victory extends France’s impressive recent World Cup pedigree as Deschamps’ men advance to another semi-final, keeping alive their hopes of lifting a second World Cup title in three tournaments.
For Morocco, the defeat brings to an end another memorable World Cup journey. After overcoming the Netherlands on penalties in the Round of 32 before dismantling Canada 3-0 and knocking out Paraguay to reach the last eight, the Atlas Lions once again demonstrated that African football can compete with the world’s elite.
Although they fell short against a clinical French side, Morocco leave the tournament with immense pride after carrying the hopes of an entire continent into the quarter-finals.
France will now turn their attention to the semi-finals as they continue their pursuit of another world title, while Morocco depart with their reputation further enhanced following another courageous World Cup campaign.
Match Summary
Quarter-final
France 2-0 Morocco
Goals:
- Kylian Mbappé (60′)
- Ousmane Dembélé (66′)
Key Moment:
- Yassine Bounou saved Kylian Mbappé’s first-half penalty before the French captain redeemed himself with the opening goal after the interval.
Player of the Match: Kylian Mbappé.
