​The 2026 FIFA World Cup is entering its business end, with the quarter-finals now in sight. Last night saw France face Morocco in the opening match of this phase. With just eight games remaining, including the one that just played, anticipation for football’s grand tournament as it heads toward its finale is at a fever pitch. France and Morocco approached this clash with the North Africans cast as underdogs, obliged to punch above their weight to slow down Kylian Mbappe and his teammates. Yet France’s juggernaut again appeared unstoppable, as Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele secured a 2-0 victory. Morocco defended with discipline in a low block, hoping to spring on counter-attacks when possible, but injuries did not help their case. The absence of Saibari up front meant there was no regular focal point to latch onto those counter moves. France’s defense was exemplary on the night, stifling any prospect of a breakthrough from their opponents.
Jules Kounde delivered another robust display for France against Morocco, contributing to a performance that, while not always headline-grabbing, can decisively influence knockout ties. Didier Deschamps’ side continue to move forward with a seamless efficiency, waiting to discover whether they will meet Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals. From a Barcelona vantage point, Kounde’s showing was again solid at the back while also offering forward options. He advanced step by step toward what could be the sport’s ultimate showdown, and his performance embodied the kind of steady influence that often proves decisive when the stakes are highest.
Morocco arrived with belief, structure, and the memory of 2022 in mind, yet France gradually pushed them into a survival mindset. For Kounde, this match tested his discipline in a significant way. Morocco’s plan included deploying Chemsdine Talbi on the left to target France’s right-back and put pressure on Kounde, trying to force him into uncomfortable defensive situations. That threat never fully materialized. Talbi did not have ample opportunity to attack Kounde, spending much of the game tracking the French defender’s forward motion.
Kounde and France have booked a place in the World Cup semi-finals. For Barça supporters, this is precisely the version of Kounde they want to see: not always the most flashy attacking full-back, but a player who provides security, aggression, and command in challenging spaces. Against Morocco, he carried out two duties in equal measure. When France had possession, he pushed high to support the attack and to stretch Morocco’s defence. When possession turned over, he recovered quickly to halt Morocco’s momentum down the flank.
In the closing stages, Kounde was supplanted by Malo Gusto in the 86th minute, a straightforward substitution to give France’s right-back more rest as they protected the final minutes. By then, the essential groundwork had already been completed. After a difficult club season, the French defender is painting a brighter picture for those who rate his contributions highly, continuing to reinforce his value ahead of the team’s upcoming fixtures.