Mbappe and Dembele send France into World Cup semi-finals

2-0 was the score again, four years after France beat Morocco by the same margin in their 2022 World Cup semi-final. This time, Kylian Mbappe recovered from a saved first-half penalty to score a superb opener before Ousmane Dembele finished the job in Boston. The victory sends France into the last four of a third consecutive World Cup.

The Bottom Line

• France beat Morocco 2-0 with second-half goals from Mbappe and Dembele.
• Mbappe had an earlier penalty saved by Yassine Bounou after a delay of more than three minutes.
• The France captain then scored his eighth goal of the tournament with a curling finish.
• Morocco registered only one shot on target, in the 83rd minute, and five attempts overall.
• France will face the winner of Spain against Belgium in the semi-final on Tuesday, 14 July.

Breaking It Down

France set the tone early. Mbappe forced Bounou into a save from 25 yards, while the Morocco goalkeeper also denied Dayot Upamecano from the following corner. Dembele and Adrien Rabiot had opportunities as Didier Deschamps' side kept pressing against a Morocco team set up to defend deep.

The biggest first-half chance arrived when Mbappe was brought down by Noussair Mazraoui. More than three minutes passed before the penalty could be taken while the video assistant referee checked the incident and players were managed around the area. Mbappe used a stuttering run-up but sent a weak effort low enough for Bounou to save comfortably. It was the striker's first miss after 15 successful conversions.

The breakthrough finally came on the hour. After Morocco failed to clear a loose ball, Desire Doue helped it towards Mbappe on the left edge of the penalty area. The captain created a narrow shooting lane around Issa Diop and whipped a powerful right-footed effort into the top-right corner. The goal took him to eight for the tournament.

Six minutes later, the contest was effectively settled. Dembele advanced through the middle with Morocco unable to close him down, then drove a low shot from outside the box towards the bottom-right corner. Bounou got a hand to it but could not keep it out. Morocco's first shot on target did not arrive until the 83rd minute, when Mike Maignan pushed Azzedine Ounahi's long-range effort around the post.

Why This Matters

France have reached the semi-finals for a third straight World Cup, and their attack is becoming increasingly difficult to contain. Mbappe has scored half of France's goals at this tournament, but Dembele now has five of his own. France are only the second team in the past half-century to have two players score at least five goals at the same World Cup, following Brazil in 2002.

Morocco, by contrast, could not reproduce the attacking threat that had carried them through earlier rounds. They were without Ismael Saibari because of a hamstring problem and played without a recognised striker, leaving Brahim Diaz, Chemsdine Talbi and Bilal El Khannouss to break from deeper positions. France's control meant Morocco produced only five attempts and rarely forced their opponents out of shape.

For viewers in Britain, the result also sharpens the picture at the business end of the tournament. France are already through, while England were identified among the sides with enough attacking quality to present a greater challenge if the competition brings them together later.

What Comes Next

France will play the winner of Spain against Belgium in the semi-final on Tuesday, 14 July, with the match scheduled for 20:00 UK time in Dallas. The immediate concern around Mbappe eased after he left the pitch with discomfort in his right foot and was shown with ice on it, then returned to join the post-match celebrations.

The next opponent will now have to deal with a France side that has not fallen behind at this World Cup and has two forwards already on at least five tournament goals.

FAQ

What was the France vs Morocco score?

France beat Morocco 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final, with second-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.

Did Kylian Mbappe miss a penalty?

Yes. Yassine Bounou saved Mbappe's first-half penalty after a delay of more than three minutes, but Mbappe later scored the opening goal.

How many World Cup goals does Mbappe have in 2026?

Mbappe moved to eight goals at the tournament after scoring against Morocco.

Who will France play in the World Cup semi-final?

France will face the winner of Spain against Belgium.

When is France's World Cup semi-final?

The semi-final is scheduled for Tuesday, 14 July, at 20:00 UK time in Dallas.