France strike twice to shatter brave Morocco’s World Cup fairytale

Highlights:

• France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals
• Mbappe broke the deadlock before Dembele doubled the advantage
• Morocco's historic campaign ended despite another disciplined display
• Les Bleus advanced to the semi-finals in pursuit of a third world title

France booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a clinical 2-0 victory over Morocco at Gillette Stadium on Friday (10 July), ending the Atlas Lions' remarkable run in the tournament.

France's Kylian Mbappe has his penalty saved by Morocco's Yassine Bounou. Photo: Reuters

Morocco once again frustrated one of the competition's favourites with an organised defensive display and dangerous counter-attacks during a closely fought first half, denying France clear scoring opportunities.

France's Kylian Mbappe in action with Morocco's Issa Diop and Neil El Aynaoui. Photo: Reuters

The breakthrough finally came in the 60th minute when captain Kylian Mbappe found the net after earlier being denied from the penalty spot, giving Didier Deschamps' side the lead they had struggled to secure.

France's Ousmane Dembele scores their second goal. Photo: Reuters

France doubled their advantage just six minutes later as Ousmane Dembele finished a swift attacking move, putting the two-time world champions firmly in control of the quarter-final.

Morocco continued to push forward in search of a way back into the match, but France's defence, led by William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano, remained composed throughout. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan also produced another assured performance to preserve a clean sheet.

France's Ousmane Dembele scores their second goal past Morocco's Yassine Bounou. Photo: Reuters

The defeat brought an end to Morocco's memorable World Cup campaign, during which the reigning African champions produced a series of impressive performances, including knockout victories over the Netherlands on penalties and Canada, to establish themselves among the tournament's standout teams.

Morocco's Gessime Yassine looks dejected after the match as Morocco are eliminated from the World Cup. Photo: Reuters

France, meanwhile, moved within two wins of a third FIFA World Cup crown. Les Bleus have impressed throughout the tournament with a balanced combination of defensive discipline and attacking quality spearheaded by Mbappe, Dembele and Michael Olise.

France's Ousmane Dembele celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates and coach Didier Deschamps. Photo: Reuters

France will face the winners of the quarter-final between Spain and Belgium in the semi-finals as they continue their pursuit of another World Cup title.