France seal World Cup semi-final spot after Mbappe and Dembele strikes end Morocco's run

France secured their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a decisive 2-0 victory over Morocco in a gripping quarter-final encounter at Boston Stadium.

Captain Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele found the net in the second half, propelling France into the final four for the third consecutive World Cup. The French team weathered periods of Moroccan pressure before their attacking prowess ultimately made the difference.

Morocco began the match with confidence, matching France's intensity and effectively stifling the French attack in the early stages. While the Atlas Lions posed a threat on the counter-attack, with Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi providing attacking outlets, they struggled to convert possession into clear-cut chances against a disciplined French defense.

France gradually gained control of the game, creating the better opportunities before halftime. Kylian Mbappe came close to scoring and also missed a penalty, leaving the score level at the break.

The deadlock was broken in the 60th minute when Mbappe skillfully finished from inside the box, curling the ball past Yassine Bounou after a clever assist from Desire Doue. This goal, Mbappe's eighth of the tournament, put him level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.

France extended their lead in the 66th minute when Ousmane Dembele struck with his right foot from outside the box. Despite Bounou getting a hand to the shot, he couldn't prevent it from finding the net. This marked Dembele's fifth goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Morocco continued to fight until the final whistle, but France's experience and composure allowed them to protect their lead and secure a place in the semi-finals. The result concludes Morocco's remarkable World Cup journey, while France advances one step closer to defending their title. France's semi-final opponent will be either Spain or Belgium.