France advanced to the semifinals for the third consecutive World Cup with a controlled 2-0 victory over a resilient but ultimately outclassed Morocco side. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé scored in a six-minute second-half blitz that ended Morocco’s campaign, sending Les Bleus into the last four with a perfect record in the tournament.
The Atlas Lions fought valiantly throughout the match, but two second-half strikes proved decisive in sealing France’s victory and sending the North African nation packing. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring with a trademark composed finish midway through the second period, before Ousmane Dembélé added a second goal shortly afterward, capitalizing on a swift counterattack to put the result beyond doubt.
Despite Morocco’s spirited resistance and moments of promise, particularly in the first half where they matched their more illustrious opponents, the quality and finishing of the French attackers ultimately made the difference on the night.
In a familiar tale of heartbreak for one side and dominance for the other, France have now eliminated Morocco in consecutive World Cups.
After ending the Atlas Lions’ fairytale run in the 2022 semi-final in Qatar, Les Bleus repeated the feat on Thursday, knocking them out once again — this time in the 2026 quarter-finals with a composed 2-0 victory in Foxborough.
It marks the second straight major tournament where France have proven too strong for Morocco on the biggest stage, further cementing their status as a persistent nemesis for the North African side.