​France advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over Morocco in Boston, riding a composed performance that eased them past their African rivals. An early disappointment for France came when Kylian Mbappe’s first-half penalty was saved by Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, but he soon made amends with a brilliant equalizer that found the inside of the post and gave his side the lead in the Golden Boot race. The celebrations continued as Ousmane Dembele drove through the center and finished low past Bounou, sealing the victory for Les Bleus.
The evening’s player ratings reflected a solid team display for France. Mike Maignan, rated 6, looked comfortable throughout, hardly needing to break into a sprint in what was effectively a routine shift. Jules Kounde also earned a 6 for his runs down the right flank, which helped stretch the Moroccan defense and create passing lanes. William Saliba, another 6, remained largely untroubled by the visitors’ advances, exuding his usual composure. Dayot Upamecano received a 5, with a header that could have yielded something better in the first half and a near-own goal in the second period that briefly unsettled the France camp.
Lucas Digne impressed with a 7, striking the bar with a fierce shot and providing continued threat on the left flank throughout the evening. Adrien Rabiot, also a 7, played a pivotal role in keeping France ticking in midfield and contributed defensively with three interceptions. Manu Kone earned a 6 for sturdy challenges that frustrated Morocco’s counters. Ousmane Dembele, who was superb after the break, was rated an 8 for his smart distribution and decisive finish, which, even if aided by Bounou, helped settle the game in France’s favor. Michael Olise matched his midfield colleague with a 7, producing moments of electric pace and a clever assist that set Mbappe through for a scoring chance during the second half. Desire Doué, though bright and sharp on the ball, was credited with a 6 due to a lack of end product, failing to convert a chance when driving toward the edge of the box in the first half.
Kylian Mbappe, despite the penalty miss, earned a 7 for the goal that mattered most and for the quality of the finish that pierced the near post with power and precision, breaking the deadlock. Off the substitutes’ bench, Zaire-Emery and Mateta were each given a 5, Barcola a 6, and Gusto a 5 for their contributions when called upon.
For Morocco, Yassine Bounou was rated 7 for a strong performance that included a crucial penalty save and multiple key stops, though he will lament the lapse that allowed Dembele’s shot to slip past him. Achraf Hakimi, Morocco’s captain, delivered a solid 6, engaging in a competitive duel with Mbappe and contributing defensively and offensively where possible. Noussair Mazraoui, though lively in patches, received a 4 after a mistimed challenge gifted France a penalty, undermining his side’s prospects. Issa Diop, booked in the second half after a rough bodycheck on Mbappe, earned a 5, while Anass Salah-Eddine faced a tough assignment at full-back and was rated 5 for his overall contribution. Anass Bouhaddi and teen prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi were each given 5 and 5, respectively, for limited impact on the fixture, though Bouaddi showed moments of potential before being stifled by the France defense.
Neil El Aynaoui managed 6, contributing three tackles and a block while covering substantial ground across the pitch. Azzedine Ounahi, rated 7, pressed in midfield with a string of tackles and attempts to press France’s rhythm, showing his willingness to initiate plays even if the end product eluded him at times. Chemsdine Talbi, at 4, struggled to influence the game and gave the ball away too often, limiting his side’s ability to build attacks from the back.
Overall, France’s victory was built on a disciplined performance that absorbed early pressure, converted a key moment through Mbappe, and then sealed the win with Dembele’s late contribution. The result sends France through to the semi-finals, while Morocco will reflect on opportunities missed and look to regroup for the next challenge.