France Knock Morocco Out Of 2026 FIFA World Cup

France booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-0 win over Morocco in a hard-fought last-eight clash.

Didier Deschamps’ side dominated for long spells but had to wait until the second half to break the deadlock after Morocco goalkeeper Bono frustrated them with a string of outstanding saves.

France were handed a golden chance to take the lead in the 28th minute when referee Facundo Tello awarded a penalty following a VAR review for Noussair Mazraoui’s foul on Kylian Mbappe. Bono guessed correctly and produced a fine save to deny the French captain from the spot.

The deadlock was finally broken on the hour mark. Mbappe collected the ball outside the area and drilled a low effort into the right corner to put France ahead after sustained pressure.

France doubled their advantage six minutes later. Mbappe turned provider, picking out Ousmane Dembele on the edge of the box. The winger’s strike took a slight touch on its way through before beating Bono and nestling in the bottom corner.

Morocco tried to fight back through Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz and Azzedine Ounahi, but Mike Maignan stood firm whenever called upon. The French goalkeeper produced a superb save to keep out Ounahi’s powerful effort late in the game.

France continued to create chances, with Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta all going close to adding a third goal, while Bono prevented the scoreline from becoming more emphatic with more impressive stops.

There was a late concern for France when Mbappe picked up an injury and was forced off in the closing stages, although his earlier goal and assist had already put his side in complete control.

After more than six minutes of added time, the final whistle confirmed France’s passage into the last four where they will face either Spain or Belgium on Tuesday.