Sports Desk, Daily Agrabarta
France have become the first team to punch their ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, beating Morocco 2-0 in the opening quarter-final of the round on Thursday. Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, both arriving in a six-minute window in the second half, were enough to see off a Moroccan side that had defied the odds all tournament long.
A Dominant Display From Start to Finish
France controlled the game from the first whistle, racking up 22 shots to Morocco’s 5 and enjoying a heavy share of possession throughout. Mbappé had an early effort saved by Yassine Bounou, and Dayot Upamecano headed over from close range when he really should have scored, signalling how one-sided the contest was even before the goals arrived.
The one blemish on an otherwise near-perfect afternoon came just before half-time, when Mbappé won a penalty after being brought down by Noussair Mazraoui in the box. His spot-kick, though, was tame, and Bounou saved comfortably, keeping the scoreline goalless at the break despite the gulf in chances created.
Mbappé and Dembélé Settle It in Six Minutes
The breakthrough finally came on the hour mark. Mbappé made amends for his earlier miss with a superb curling finish into the far corner, a goal that also happened to be the 20th of his career at the World Cup, moving him level with Argentina’s Lionel Messi on eight goals for the tournament and into outright contention for the Golden Boot. Six minutes later, Mbappé turned provider, slipping the ball through for Dembélé, who curled a low finish past Bounou to make it 2-0 and effectively end the contest.
There was a slightly worrying moment late on for the French camp when Mbappé appeared to wince and was seen icing his ankle after the final whistle, though early indications suggested it was precautionary rather than serious.
Morocco’s Run Ends, But the Story Continues
For Morocco, the defeat brings an end to a campaign that once again exceeded expectations. The Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals in consecutive tournaments, having already knocked out the Netherlands on penalties earlier in the competition. It is a result that will sting in the moment, but one that continues to build the foundation for a country that will co-host the World Cup in four years’ time.
What’s Next
France now await the winner of Spain’s quarter-final against Belgium, with a semi-final date set for later in the week. It marks a third consecutive World Cup semi-final appearance for Les Bleus, keeping them on course to become only the third nation in history to reach the final of three straight tournaments.
