​France secured a 2-0 victory over Morocco to advance to the World Cup semifinals. The triumph puts them on a collision course with the winner of the Spain-Portugal clash scheduled for tomorrow in Inglewood. That matchup, slated for 3 p.m. ET, will determine France’s opponent in the next round, with the winner set to face them on Tuesday, July 14, in a high-stakes quarterfinal-to-semi matchup.
Kylian Mbappe, France’s captain and leading star, opened the scoring about an hour into the match, delivering a goal that sees him tied with Lionel Messi on eight goals apiece for this tournament. Mbappe remains ahead in the Golden Boot race due to his higher number of assists, underscoring his all-around influence and continued scoring form. Messi, however, still holds the overall record for the most World Cup goals in history with 21, while Mbappe has reached 20 goals in 20 World Cup appearances and is rapidly closing the gap.
Ousmane Dembele added a second France goal just six minutes after Mbappe’s tally, showcasing a quick-fire double that put the team in command and helped seal the win. Yet the optimism surrounding France’s performance is tempered by a developing concern: Mbappe departed the field with an ankle injury shortly after his goal and could be seen icing the ankle on the sidelines. The team and medical staff will monitor his condition ahead of the next match, as his fitness could significantly influence France’s plans and performance in the upcoming rounds.
The World Cup quarterfinals match at Foxborough on July 9 featured France against Morocco, with professional photographer imagery capturing the celebratory moment as Dembele found the net. The tournament schedule continues to unfold with a series of pivotal clashes across the United States. The July 10 slate includes Spain vs. Belgium in Inglewood, and July 11 will bring Norway vs. England in Miami, followed by Argentina vs. Switzerland in Kansas City. Looking ahead, the July 14 match is listed as the France/ Morocco or Spain-Portugal winner taking on an opponent in Arlington, while July 15 will see the Miami/Kansas City winners move on to Atlanta, and the action culminates with the July 19 final rounds at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Fans watching the action can anticipate a dramatic next chapter as France awaits its semifinal opponent. The branding and broadcasts for the World Cup, including Fox’s coverage in the United States and Telemundo/Peacock for Spanish-language viewing, will continue to guide fans through the knockout stages. The tournament’s narrative is broadening as Mbappe and Dembele’s formidable attacking duo remains central to France’s title ambitions, while Messi and his legacy continue to loom large for Argentina and the broader competition.
In the meantime, the France vs. TBD matchup has generated extensive chatter and anticipation across sports media and fan communities, with discussions centering on Mbappe’s fitness, the tactical adjustments needed to counter Spain or Portugal, and France’s potential path to the final. The next game promises to be a defining moment as Didier Deschamps’ side seeks to capitalize on their momentum and secure a place in the World Cup final, aiming to add another chapter to France’s storied World Cup history.