2026 World Cup: France puts on a show; Morocco holds on for just one half. Les Bleus advance to the semifinals
France is unstoppable: Les Bleus defeated Morocco 2-0, securing their sixth win in six matches and qualifying for the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. Deschamps’ team sealed the win in Foxborough in the second half with goals from Mbappé and Dembelé: the Real Madrid star was all over the field (though he also missed a penalty) and was substituted late in the game due to a physical issue that will be evaluated in the coming hours. France will face the winner of Spain vs. Belgium in the semifinals: Les Bleus have reached the final four for the third consecutive World Cup. Morocco bids farewell to the tournament and fails to repeat its performance from the last edition, when it finished in fourth place in Qatar.
France played with great authority and confidence, but at the end of the first half, the score was still 0-0. At Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, temperatures were sweltering; the Bleus were aggressive and dictated the pace of the game, while Morocco tried to build their attack on the counter. Bounou immediately makes his presence felt with two great saves against Mbappé and Upamecano; in the 25th minute, Mbappé earns a penalty kick after Mazraoui takes him down in the box.
From the penalty spot, however, the Real Madrid star—perhaps distracted by the prolonged VAR review—missed, kicking the ball poorly and seeing his shot saved by Bounou, marking the seventh penalty saved at this World Cup. Les Bleus remained undeterred and continued to attack relentlessly against a Morocco side that couldn’t catch its breath or break up their opponents’ attacks. Bounou made a great save on Doué, then was bailed out by the crossbar on Digne’s long-range shot just before halftime.
In the second half, France maintained the pressure; in the 56th minute, Mbappé had a huge chance in front of Bounou but shot over the crossbar. The goal was only a matter of time, however, as Les Bleus’ dominance was unchallenged: Mbappé received the ball at the edge of the box in the 60th minute and, with a splendid curling right-footed shot to the far post, finally broke the deadlock, becoming the first player to score 8 goals in two consecutive World Cups.
Spaces opened up, and France celebrated: in the 66th minute, Dembelé sealed the victory on a counterattack; Bounou could only get a finger to his shot, and France took a 2-0 lead. In the closing minutes, Mbappé is substituted—it remains to be seen if due to a physical issue—and is replaced by Mateta. Barcola also comes on for Doué. France sits back and waits for Morocco, which seeks a goal to keep their hopes alive in the final minutes: Maignan makes a solid save on Ounahi’s shot. That’s how it ended; Les Bleus advance to the semifinals, where they’ll face the winner of Spain vs. Belgium.
