Kylian Mbappe urged France to remain focused after securing a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, emphasizing that the team cannot afford complacency as tougher challenges lie ahead. The France captain also downplayed concerns over an ankle issue that forced him off late in the match, describing it as minor and confirming he is fine.
France beats Morocco 2-0 in quarter-final
France booked their place in the semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Morocco in a gripping quarter-final encounter at Boston Stadium. Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scored in the second half to seal the win, marking France's third consecutive World Cup semi-final appearance.
Mbappe opened the scoring, continuing his sensational run in the tournament. The goal was his eighth of the 2026 World Cup, tying him with Argentina's Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot race. It also brought his career World Cup tally to 20 goals across the 2018, 2022, and 2026 editions, moving within one goal of Messi's all-time tournament record of 21.
Mbappe plays down ankle injury
After the match, Mbappe addressed concerns about his fitness after being substituted. "It's a minor ankle injury, but I'm fine. In that moment, I think Mateta was better suited to continue for the remaining minutes of the match. But I'm fine, don't worry," he said, according to Reuters.
The substitution allowed Jean-Philippe Mateta to see out the closing stages. Mbappe also won the player of the match award for the third time in this World Cup edition.
Mbappe urges focus ahead of semi-final
Mbappe stressed the need for continued concentration. "There can be no let-up. There is still a long way to go, and what lies ahead will be even tougher," he said. France will now prepare for a semi-final opponent, with the team aiming to defend their title after winning in 2018 and reaching the final in 2022.
