Kylian Mbappe bounced back from a first-half penalty miss to lead France into the World Cup semi-finals with a commanding 2-0 victory over Morocco in Boston.
Mbappe's Redemption
The French captain endured a moment of frustration in the 28th minute when his tame spot-kick was saved by Yassine Bounou after Noussair Mazraoui had felled him in the box. However, Mbappe atoned in style on the hour mark, drilling a precise finish into the far corner to break Moroccan resistance. Six minutes later, he turned provider, setting up Ousmane Dembele to double the lead with a shot that squirmed beyond Bounou.
"I have a minor ankle injury, but I am completely fine," Mbappe said after being substituted late on. "Jean-Philippe Mateta was in a better position to play the remaining minutes. That is all that happened."
The forward now has eight goals and three assists in the tournament, putting him firmly in contention for both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball as France chase a third consecutive final appearance.
France's Dominant Display
Despite the penalty setback, Les Bleus were rarely troubled. Dayot Upamecano headed an early chance over, Desire Doue was denied by Bounou, and Lucas Digne rattled the crossbar with a swerving long-range effort. Morocco, without injured playmaker Ismael Saibari, offered little attacking threat and managed only sporadic forays forward.
Manager Didier Deschamps will be delighted with the control his side exerted, though sterner tests lie ahead. France will meet either Spain or Belgium in the last four, with the tantalising prospect of Mbappe continuing his red-hot form.
Morocco's Pride and Promise
Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi remained defiant in defeat, praising his team's spirit and looking to the future.
"The future will be bright if we continue like this, but that doesn't mean we didn't want to win today," Ouahbi said. "We represent more than just one country. We represent the Moroccan people, and many countries across Asia and Africa. Many people see themselves in this team, and we'll keep working to win titles in the future."
The Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals for the second successive World Cup but ultimately lacked the firepower to trouble a clinical French side.
Key Takeaways
- Mbappe's mentality: The captain brushed off a penalty miss to dominate the second half with a goal and assist.
- French control: Deschamps' side never looked like losing, even before opening the scoring.
- Moroccan limitations: Without Saibari, Morocco lacked creativity and managed few clear chances.
- Semi-final showdown: France await Spain or Belgium, with Mbappe the man to stop.
Quick Facts
Kylian Mbappe's World Cup 2026 record: 8 goals, 3 assists
France's semi-final opponent: Spain or Belgium
Penalty miss: Mbappe's spot-kick was saved in the 28th minute
Venue: Boston, USA