France booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over Morocco in Thursday’s quarter-final clash at Boston Stadium, ending the Atlas Lions’ inspiring campaign.
The French side controlled much of the encounter, limiting Morocco’s attacking threat while creating the better scoring opportunities. After a goalless first half, France finally broke the deadlock in the 60th minute when captain Kylian Mbappé fired home from close range following a swift attacking move.
Morocco attempted to respond by increasing the tempo and introducing fresh attacking options, but France’s well-organised defence, marshalled by William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano, kept the African champions at bay.
France sealed the victory in the 66th minute when Ousmane Dembélé finished off another incisive attack, giving goalkeeper Yassine Bounou no chance and putting the result beyond doubt.
The Atlas Lions fought until the final whistle but failed to register a breakthrough against a disciplined French team that has now reached another World Cup semi-final.
The victory extends France’s dominance over Morocco at the World Cup, having also defeated the North Africans in the semi-finals of the 2022 tournament.
Despite the defeat, Morocco once again enhanced Africa’s reputation on the global stage with a remarkable campaign that saw them eliminate the Netherlands on penalties in the Round of 32 before defeating Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16.
France will now face the winner of the quarter-final between Spain and Belgium for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, while Morocco exits the tournament with pride after another historic World Cup showing.
