France reach World Cup 2026 semifinals but face Mbappé injury scare
France become first 2026 World Cup semifinalist (Photo: x.com/equipedefrance)
France continued their impressive run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Morocco in the quarterfinals to become the tournament's first semifinalist.
2026 FIFA World Cup. Quarterfinal
France 2-0 Morocco
Goals: Mbappé, 60; Dembélé, 66
Missed penalty: Mbappé (France), 26 (saved)
Repeat of the 2022 World Cup semifinal and an injury scare
The first half was dominated by France. The biggest moment came in the 26th minute when Kylian Mbappé failed to convert a penalty. Noussair Mazraoui brought him down inside the box, but Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou guessed correctly and comfortably held Mbappé's spot kick.
Bounou continued to frustrate France with excellent saves to deny Dayot Upamecano and Désiré Doué, while Lucas Digne struck the crossbar just before halftime.
France's pressure finally paid off in the second half. In the 60th minute, Doué found Mbappé with a precise pass, and the French captain curled a superb shot inside the far post to make it 1-0.
The goal was Mbappé's eighth of the tournament, moving him level with Lionel Messi at the top of the scoring charts. It was also his 20th career World Cup goal, leaving him just one behind Messi's record of 21.
Only six minutes later, Mbappé turned provider, setting up Ousmane Dembélé, who fired a low shot inside the right post to double France's lead at 2-0.
Morocco pushed forward in search of a comeback but suffered the same fate as in the 2022 World Cup semifinal, once again losing to France by the same scoreline.
However, the victory came with a worrying moment for Didier Deschamps. Late in the match, Mbappé picked up an injury and was forced to leave the field early, making way for Mateta.
