France dominate Morocco in quarter-final clash
France midfielder Adrien Rabiot took a swipe at Morocco after Les Bleus' FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final victory, stating the team "had little to fear" from the opposition. The 2-0 win in Boston on Thursday saw France control the game, registering 22 shots compared to Morocco's five, with eight shots on target against the Atlas Lions' one, as reported by French news outlet L'Equipe.
Rabiot's assessment of Morocco's threat
Speaking after the match, Rabiot commented on France's defensive solidity. "We felt that in the moments when we didn't have the ball and we let them have it, they weren't very dangerous. We had little to fear from this team. That's the feeling we had on the pitch. It's surprising," L'Equipe quoted him as saying to beIN Sports. However, he acknowledged Morocco's individual talent: "But they remain a team that can make the difference at any moment because they have extraordinary individual players. That's why we always have to stay vigilant."
Rabiot praises team resilience and unity
Rabiot highlighted France's focus and resilience, especially after missing a first-half penalty. "We were very focused. And then, with the ball, we used it well. Even though we started badly with Bounou's penalty save. But we stayed in it. That's also where you see the team's strength because we show determination and resilience too," he said. Reaching a third consecutive World Cup semi-final is a special achievement, and Rabiot credited the squad's togetherness: "We're not taking it for granted at all in the locker room. I can tell you we were very happy. There's a lot of joy because we've been giving everything for several weeks. The group is exceptional. Everyone is united, and it's magnificent."
Mbappe and Dembele seal victory
France captain Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scored second-half goals to secure the win. Mbappe's 60th-minute strike, his eighth of the tournament, drew him level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race. Dembele added a second in the 66th minute, his fifth goal of the World Cup, giving France a comfortable cushion. Morocco started confidently and matched France's intensity, with Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi posing threats on the counter, but they failed to convert possession into clear chances against a disciplined French defence.
France advance to semi-finals
The victory ended Morocco's historic World Cup run, while France moved one step closer to the title. France will face either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals. The result marks France's third consecutive World Cup semi-final, having won the 2018 edition and finished runners-up in 2022.
