Mbappé Redemption: France 2-0 Morocco, World Cup 2026 QF
France Survive Morocco Scare, Mbappé Delivers Masterclass
Foxborough, Massachusetts — The scoreline read 2-0, identical to the 2022 semi-final, but the journey was anything but routine. France booked their place in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought victory over Morocco at Gillette Stadium, a match defined by Kylian Mbappé’s redemption arc and Morocco’s shattered unbeaten streak.
- Result: France 2-0 Morocco
- Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Date: Wednesday, 9 July 2026
- Referee: Facundo Tello
First Half: Morocco’s Defensive Wall Holds Firm
Morocco’s gameplan was clear from the first whistle: sit deep, deny space, and hit France on the counter. For 45 minutes, it worked to perfection. Walid Regragui’s side absorbed wave after wave of French pressure, with Yassine Bounou emerging as the hero of the half.
The defining moment came in the 26th minute. Noussair Mazraoui was adjudged to have fouled Kylian Mbappé inside the box, and referee Facundo Tello pointed to the spot. Mbappé, France’s talisman, stepped up — but Bounou guessed correctly, diving to his left to palm the penalty away. The stadium erupted, and Morocco’s belief soared.
France dominated possession but struggled to carve clear chances. Morocco’s backline, marshalled by Nayef Aguerd and Romain Saïss, repelled everything. On the break, Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech caused occasional jitters, but the half ended 0-0. The Atlas Lions had held the world champions at bay.
Second Half: Mbappé’s Redemption and Dembele’s Finish
The second half told a different story. France emerged with renewed intensity, and Mbappé — undeterred by his penalty miss — began to find space. In the 60th minute, he produced a moment of pure brilliance. A quick one-two with Antoine Griezmann on the edge of the box gave him a yard of space, and he unleashed a powerful curling shot from 20 yards that flew past Bounou into the top corner. 1-0 France. His 8th goal of the tournament, tying Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot lead.
Six minutes later, Mbappé turned provider. Driving at the Morocco defense, he drew two defenders before sliding a perfect through ball for Ousmane Dembélé, who finished calmly past Bounou. 2-0 France. The game was effectively over.
Morocco pushed forward desperately, but France’s defense — marshalled by William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano — held firm. The final whistle confirmed France’s place in the semi-finals and ended Morocco’s magnificent 39-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
Key Player Stats
| Player | Stat |
|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappé (France) | 1 goal, 1 assist; 8 goals in 6 matches; 20 career World Cup goals |
| Yassine Bounou (Morocco) | 1 penalty save; 4 saves overall |
| Ousmane Dembélé (France) | 1 goal; 2 shots on target |
| Antoine Griezmann (France) | 1 assist; 3 key passes |
What’s Next: France’s Semi-Final Showdown
France will face the winner of Spain vs Belgium in the semi-finals on July 14 in Dallas. Didier Deschamps’ side are chasing a third World Cup title in four editions, and with Mbappé in this form, they will be favorites. The semi-final promises to be a tactical battle, with Spain’s possession game or Belgium’s counter-attacking threat awaiting.
For Morocco, the defeat ends a historic run. Their 39-match unbeaten streak was the longest active run in international football, and they leave the tournament with heads held high. The core of this squad — Hakimi, Ziyech, Bounou — will likely be back for 2030.
Where to Watch
Fans can catch the semi-final live on Fox Sports (USA), BBC One and ITV (UK), TF1 (France), and beIN Sports (MENA region). Streaming options include FuboTV, Peacock, and BBC iPlayer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did France beat Morocco 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final?
France’s superior quality in the second half, led by Kylian Mbappé’s goal and assist, proved decisive. Morocco’s defensive resilience held for 60 minutes, but Mbappé’s individual brilliance broke the deadlock.
How many goals has Kylian Mbappé scored in the 2026 World Cup?
Mbappé has scored 8 goals in 6 matches, tying Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot lead. He has scored in every match of the tournament.
What was Morocco’s unbeaten run before this match?
Morocco had gone 39 matches without defeat across all competitions, dating back to September 2023. The streak ended with this 2-0 loss to France.
Who saved Mbappé’s penalty in the France vs Morocco match?
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved Kylian Mbappé’s penalty in the 26th minute, diving to his left to palm the ball away.
When and where is the France semi-final in World Cup 2026?
France will play the winner of Spain vs Belgium in the semi-finals on July 14, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
