France marched into the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 2-1 victory over Morocco in the quarter-finals. The match, played on July 9, highlighted Morocco's defensive resilience and the fear factor that has defined their tournament run.
France's Path to Victory
France capitalized on early opportunities, scoring two goals in the first half. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring in the 12th minute, followed by a strike from Antoine Griezmann in the 34th minute. Morocco responded with a goal in the 67th minute through Achraf Hakimi, but could not find an equalizer.
Morocco's Defensive Resolve
Morocco, known for their defensive solidity, relied on goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to keep them in the game. Bounou made several crucial saves, including a penalty stop in the 55th minute. According to coach Walid Regragui, 'We showed great character and discipline, but France's quality was decisive.'
Impact and Next Steps
France will now face Argentina in the semi-finals, a rematch of the 2022 final. Morocco's exit ends a historic campaign, having become the first African team to reach the quarter-finals in consecutive World Cups. The match drew a global audience of over 1.5 billion viewers, according to FIFA.
