​France reached the World Cup semi-finals for the third consecutive time after their 2-0 victory over Morocco. Dayot Upamecano and Michael Olise, both of whom were on Bayern Munich’s books, played the full 90 minutes as the 2022 finalists continued their streak of not conceding a goal in the knockout stages. Yassine Bono had a spotless first half for Morocco, highlighted by an early close-range save on Upamecano, while France dominated possession and territorial control. Yet Morocco’s compact, disciplined defensive approach managed to frustrate their foes, reminiscent of their earlier tense duel with Paraguay.
Kylian Mbappe’s goal from the penalty spot proved decisive in their quarter-final meeting, but he could not convert a similar opportunity around the 30-minute mark in this match. The Real Madrid superstar earned the chance after Noussair Mazraoui mistimed his challenge inside the box. However, Mbappe’s penalty was weak and easily saved by Bono, who had to wait more than three minutes for VAR to confirm the decision. France also came close to breaking the deadlock when Lucas Digne struck the crossbar from long range just before halftime.
Morocco were visibly improved after the break but were still without the influence of FC Bayern’s new signing Ismael Saibari, leaving them somewhat toothless in the final third. About ten minutes after the restart, France resumed control and pressed for the opening goal. Mbappe then produced a moment of magic at around the hour mark, curling a fierce shot into the net to become only the second player in World Cup history to reach at least 20 goals in tournament play. In addition, he tied Lionel Messi on eight goals in this edition, as he presses his bid to capture back-to-back Golden Boots. Remarkably, 17 of Mbappe’s goals in the World Cup have come after halftime, including six in this campaign.
Mohamed Ouahbi responded to Morocco going behind with a first substitution, sending Bilal El Khannouss and Ayyoub Bouassi into the fray. The Atlas Lions endured a frustrating day in the final third, with Bouassi’s involvement notable as he became the second-youngest player to reach a World Cup quarter-final, trailing Pele in that regard. Despite the pressure, France soon doubled their advantage when Bono failed to stop Ousmane Dembélé’s shot, with Mbappe providing the assist before being substituted due to an earlier knock. Mbappe’s celebration at full time suggested that there were no lingering concerns about injuries ahead of the semi-final, while Olise avoided a yellow card that could have led to a suspension.
Morocco’s first shot on target didn’t arrive until the 82nd minute, as Mike Maignan saved Azzedine Ounahi, who had previously struck a brace in the Round of 16 victory over Canada. Saibari now hopes to be fit for Bayern’s pre-season after his strong World Cup showing. France will face either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals, ensuring that at least one European nation will reach the 2026 World Cup final. Didier Deschamps’ side have now reached the semi-finals in three straight tournaments after their quarter-final exit to eventual champions Germany in 2014. Morocco, meanwhile, departed with pride despite the loss, having pushed a top-tier side close for long periods.
As for the broader implications, France’s progression reinforces their status as a perennial force at the World Cup, with Mbappe continuing to lead their charge and Olise among the standouts who stepped up when called upon. Morocco’s remarkable run, underpinned by a resilient defensive system and moments of brilliance from players like Ounahi, leaves them as one of the competition’s most admired stories, even in defeat. The campaign has further elevated discussions about the next generation of European talents, and the clash underscored the ongoing narrative of European teams dominating the latter stages of the World Cup, a pattern that continues to shape expectations for 2026.