France booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating Morocco 2-0 in a commanding quarter-final performance on Thursday, extending their remarkable run to a third consecutive appearance in the last four of the global showpiece.
After a tightly contested first half, Didier Deschamps’ men stepped up the intensity after the restart and finally found the breakthrough in the 60th minute.
Captain Kylian Mbappe showed his class with a clinical finish after a swift attacking move, sending the French supporters into celebration and putting Les Bleus in control of the contest.
Morocco attempted to respond and searched for an equaliser, but France’s disciplined defence denied the Atlas Lions clear opportunities in front of goal.
The North Africans, who had impressed throughout the tournament with their resilience, struggled to break down a well-organised French backline.
France doubled their advantage six minutes later when Ousmane Dembélé calmly finished off another flowing attack in the 66th minute, leaving Morocco with a mountain to climb as the European giants tightened their grip on the match.
Despite making several attacking substitutions, Morocco could not find a way back into the game, with France comfortably seeing out the remaining minutes to secure another famous victory on the road to the World Cup title.
The result marks France’s third successive FIFA World Cup semi-final appearance, underlining their consistency on football’s biggest stage. Mbappé once again led from the front, while Dembélé’s goal ensured Les Bleus progressed without conceding.
For Morocco, the defeat brings an end to another spirited World Cup campaign. The Atlas Lions fought bravely throughout the tournament but were ultimately outclassed by a clinical French side that capitalised on its chances when it mattered most.
France now advance to the semi-finals, where they will continue their pursuit of another FIFA World Cup crown, while Morocco exit the competition with pride after another memorable campaign that showcased the growing strength of African
