France secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Morocco on Thursday to book their place in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The match, held at the Al Bayt Stadium, saw goals from Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann, ensuring France's continued dominance in the tournament.
First Half Dominance
France controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, with Mbappé opening the scoring in the 17th minute. The Paris Saint-Germain star latched onto a through ball from Griezmann and slotted past Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Morocco struggled to create clear chances, with France's defense led by Raphael Varane remaining solid.
Second Half Decisive Strike
Morocco came out stronger after the break, pressing for an equalizer. However, France doubled their lead in the 68th minute when Griezmann curled a free kick into the top corner, leaving Bounou with no chance. Morocco pushed forward but failed to break down the French backline.
Key Statistics and Impact
France held 58% possession and registered 12 shots on goal, compared to Morocco's 6. The victory extends France's unbeaten run in the tournament to six matches. According to coach Didier Deschamps, "The team showed great character and tactical discipline. We are one step closer to our goal."
Semifinal Opponent
France will now face the winner of the quarterfinal between Portugal and England, scheduled for Friday. The semifinal is set to take place on July 14 at the Lusail Iconic Stadium. Deschamps added, "We respect both potential opponents, but we are focused on our own game."
Morocco's Historic Run Ends
Morocco's journey, which saw them become the first African team to reach the quarterfinals, ended in disappointment. Coach Walid Regragui praised his team: "We gave everything, but France's quality was the difference. We are proud of what we achieved."
