This France 2-0 Morocco match report covers a dominant quarterfinal display that carried France into the World Cup 2026 semifinals. In a rematch of the 2022 last-four meeting, France overwhelmed a stubborn Morocco in Boston, breaking through on the hour through Kylian Mbappe before Ousmane Dembele sealed it minutes later. The result keeps France on course to reach a third consecutive World Cup final and sets up a semifinal against Spain or Belgium in Dallas.
How France beat Morocco
France were the better side from the first whistle but had to be patient against a disciplined, resilient Morocco. Yassine Bounou kept the Atlas Lions level for an hour with several fine saves, and France even squandered a first-half penalty, Bounou denying Mbappe from the spot on his record-equalling 20th World Cup appearance for France. The breakthrough came on 60 minutes: Mbappe sorted his feet just inside the box, looked up and curled a superb finish into the far corner. Six minutes later he turned provider, sliding the ball into the path of Dembele, who swept a low shot past Bounou to make it 2-0. Morocco never recovered, and France closed out a comfortable win.
Match facts and stats
| Detail | Result |
|---|---|
| Final score | France 2-0 Morocco |
| Half-time | France 0-0 Morocco |
| Competition | 2026 World Cup, Quarterfinal |
| Date and venue | July 9, 2026, Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium), Foxborough |
| France scorers | Mbappe 60', Dembele 66' |
| Shots on target | France 8, Morocco 1 |
| Expected goals (xG) | France 3.04, Morocco 0.14 |
| Notable | Mbappe missed a first-half penalty before scoring |
Mbappe closes on the record and makes history
Despite the penalty miss, the night belonged to **Kylian Mbappe**. His 60th-minute strike was the 20th World Cup goal of his career, moving him within one of Lionel Messi's all-time record of 21, and his eighth of this tournament, level with Messi in the Golden Boot race. With a goal and an assist, he also became the first player to record 10 or more direct goal involvements at two different World Cups. It was a captain's performance on his 20th World Cup appearance for France, and confirmation that Les Bleus have the tournament's most decisive player heading into the semifinals.
Key talking points
- France's dominance: a 3.04 to 0.14 xG advantage and 8-1 in shots on target.
- Mbappe's record chase: now on 20 World Cup goals, one behind Messi's all-time mark.
- Dembele's form: his fifth goal of the tournament wrapped up the win.
- Bounou's resistance: the Morocco keeper saved a penalty and delayed France for an hour.
- History in sight: France reach a third straight World Cup semifinal.
- Next up: a semifinal in Dallas against Spain or Belgium on July 14.
What it means and what is next
France march on as the tournament favorites, having won by multiple goals for the fifth time in six matches. Morocco's brilliant run ends at the quarterfinals, and their wait for a first-ever World Cup semifinal beyond 2022 goes on, though a 34-game unbeaten streak and another deep run confirm their status as an elite side. France now travel to Dallas for a semifinal on Tuesday, July 14, against the winner of Spain versus Belgium, one step from a third consecutive World Cup final and a fitting stage for Didier Deschamps' farewell.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in France vs Morocco?
France beat Morocco 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal on July 9 in Boston. Kylian Mbappe scored on 60 minutes and Ousmane Dembele added a second on 66 minutes, sending France through to the semifinals despite an earlier missed Mbappe penalty.
Who scored in France vs Morocco?
Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring on 60 minutes and then assisted Ousmane Dembele's goal on 66 minutes. Mbappe also missed a first-half penalty, saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, before making amends after the break.
What record did Mbappe reach against Morocco?
Mbappe's goal was the 20th of his World Cup career, one behind Lionel Messi's all-time record of 21, and his eighth of this tournament. He also became the first player with 10 or more direct goal involvements at two different World Cups.
Who will France play in the semifinals?
France will face the winner of Spain versus Belgium in the semifinals in Dallas on Tuesday, July 14. Victory over Morocco kept France on course for a third consecutive World Cup final.
How far did Morocco go at the 2026 World Cup?
Morocco reached the quarterfinals, where they lost 2-0 to France. It repeated the sides' 2022 semifinal result and ended a strong tournament for the Atlas Lions, who remain one of the world's top-ranked teams.
