France 2-0 Morocco: Mbappé and Dembélé Send Les Bleus Into the Semifinals
France booked their place in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a controlled 2-0 win over Morocco, in a repeat of their 2022 semifinal meeting. Kylian Mbappé atoned for a missed first-half penalty by scoring the opener and setting up Ousmane Dembélé, whose fifth goal of the tournament sealed the result. Les Bleus remain perfect — the only team still standing to have won all six of their matches without needing extra time.
How the Match Unfolded
For a long spell, this had the makings of a frustrating afternoon for the favourites. Morocco, semifinalists four years ago and giant-killers again this summer after eliminating the Netherlands and Canada, defended with the discipline and organisation that has become their trademark. France dominated possession but found space at a premium against a well-drilled Atlas Lions block.
The game’s first major turning point arrived in the first half, when France were awarded a penalty. Mbappé stepped up but was denied, a rare miss from the spot that briefly lifted Moroccan hopes and kept the tie goalless at the interval. It was the kind of moment that can unsettle a team — but France, and Mbappé in particular, responded like champions-elect.
The breakthrough came in the 60th minute. Mbappé made no mistake this time, finishing to put France ahead and settle any lingering nerves. Six minutes later the tie was effectively over: Mbappé turned provider, teeing up Dembélé, who swept home his fifth goal of the tournament to make it 2-0. From there, France managed the game with the assurance of a side that has controlled every situation it has faced this summer.
By the Numbers
| Match facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final score | France 2-0 Morocco |
| Scorers | Mbappé 60′, Dembélé 66′ |
| Assist | Mbappé (for Dembélé) |
| Notable | Mbappé missed a first-half penalty |
| France’s record | Six wins from six — all in normal time |
Analysis: A Champion’s Response
The defining feature of France’s campaign has been its ruthless efficiency, and this performance was another case study. A missed penalty might have rattled a lesser side, but Deschamps’ team simply waited for the moment to strike and then took it with clinical precision. That they have negotiated six knockout and group games without once needing extra time speaks to their control, their depth and their game management.
Dembélé has been a revelation, his fifth goal of the tournament underlining a red-hot run of form that has taken pressure off Mbappé and given France a second genuine matchwinner. Around them, France’s defensive structure held firm against a Morocco side that rarely threatened. It was, in short, a statement of intent from one of the pre-tournament favourites.
For Morocco, another proud World Cup journey ends with their heads held high. Having thrilled neutrals four years ago and again this summer, they were undone by the sheer quality of a France side operating at a different level in the decisive moments. Their run — beating the Netherlands and Canada along the way — confirmed once more that they belong among the world’s best.
What’s Next
France march on to the semifinals, still unbeaten and still flawless, and will now await the winner of Argentina’s tie against Switzerland or one of the other quarterfinalists as the tournament reaches its climax. On this evidence — clinical, composed and blessed with two forwards in scintillating form — Les Bleus look every inch a side capable of retaining their crown. Prime Hunt Daily will bring you full previews, reports and analysis from the World Cup 2026 semifinals.