France beats Morocco 2-0 to reach World Cup semis

Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé struck in the second half as France defeated Morocco 2-0 on Thursday in Foxborough, Massachusetts, advancing to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals and setting up a rematch narrative four years in the making.

Mbappé Overcomes Penalty Miss

Mbappé, who entered the match with seven goals and two assists in the tournament, missed a first-half penalty but made amends with a curling finish that gave France the lead and brought his tally to eight for the competition, drawing him level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. Dembélé then doubled the advantage with a low shot into the bottom corner, sealing the result at Gillette Stadium as Les Bleus once again proved too strong for the Atlas Lions on the World Cup stage.nytimes+1

A Familiar Opponent Vanquished Again

The quarterfinal was a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semifinal in Qatar, where France also eliminated Morocco on their way to the final. The Atlas Lions, who captured global attention with their historic run four years ago, again demonstrated defensive resolve that frustrated France for long stretches, but ultimately could not contain the tournament's most potent attack.tbsnews+1

France's victory means they have now reached at least the semifinal stage in three consecutive World Cups — the 2018 tournament they won, the 2022 final where they fell to Argentina on penalties, and now 2026.as

Road to the Final

France will face the winner of Friday's quarterfinal between Spain and Belgium, scheduled for SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. That semifinal is set for July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as the tournament approaches its conclusion with the final slated for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.latintimes+1