France marched into the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Morocco that was far more emphatic than the identical scoreline from their 2022 meeting suggested. In just four years, Didier Deschamps has transformed his side from cautious contenders into a fluid, free-scoring machine—and this quarter-final was the perfect demonstration.
A Tactical Revolution from Qatar to Miami
In Qatar, France’s 2-0 semi-final win over Morocco was a study in controlled pragmatism. They scored early, then dug in to protect the lead against relentless pressure. Fast forward to 2026, and the contrast could not be starker. As Raphaël Jucobin wrote in The Guardian, Deschamps has “released the handbrake”, swapping a safety-first mindset for an adventurous, front-foot approach that allows his galaxy of attacking talent to express itself fully.
The statistics back up the eye test. France completed over 600 passes against Morocco, controlling the midfield and creating a higher volume of clear-cut chances than in any previous knockout game under Deschamps. The 4-3-3 shape has evolved into something far more interchangeable, with the front three rotating positions at will and the full-backs providing constant width.
Mbappé and Dembélé: The Freeform Forwards
At the heart of this evolution are Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. Against Morocco, their movement was almost telepathic—“a one-two punch”, as described by Jucobin, that left defenders guessing. Mbappé, operating from the left, frequently drifted into central spaces, dragging markers with him and opening channels for Dembélé to exploit on the opposite flank.
Dembélé, who has often been criticised for inconsistency, now looks a player reborn in this system. His direct running and ability to beat a man isolated Morocco’s full-back repeatedly, while his link-up with Antoine Griezmann in the half-spaces added another layer of unpredictability. The first goal, finished by Mbappé after a slick exchange, epitomised the new French blueprint: quick combinations, positional fluidity, and ruthless finishing.
What This Means for the Semi-Final
France will now face either Spain or Belgium for a place in the final, and on this evidence, they will fear nobody. The attacking options at Deschamps’ disposal are staggering—even with Christopher Nkunku and Randal Kolo Muani starting on the bench, the system never lost its edge when substitutions were made.
The question now is whether the defence can hold up against a top-tier attack. France have conceded only once in the tournament so far, but the shift to a more expansive style inevitably carries risk. Still, the overriding feeling is that this team has outgrown its old cagey habits—and that makes them the new favourites to go all the way.
Key Takeaways
- France’s 2-0 win over Morocco was stylistically unrecognisable from their 2022 semi-final, reflecting a complete attacking overhaul under Deschamps.
- The Mbappé-Dembélé partnership is thriving in a fluid front three, with the pair combining for the crucial opening goal.
- France controlled the game with over 600 passes, a sign of their new emphasis on possession and creative freedom.
- Despite the attacking focus, the defence has remained solid; only one goal conceded in the entire World Cup campaign so far.
- Whoever they face in the semi-finals, France will enter as the tournament’s most in-form side and the new title favourites.
Quick Facts
Score: France 2-0 Morocco
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, USA
Goalscorers: Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé
France’s World Cup 2026 record: Played 5, Won 5, Goals For 12, Goals Against 1