France secured a 2-0 victory over Morocco on July 9, 2026, to book their place in the FIFA World Cup semifinals. The match, held at a packed stadium, saw Kylian Mbappé open the scoring with a beautiful curling strike, marking his 20th career goal at the World Cup. This goal tied him with Lionel Messi in the golden boot race, intensifying the competition for the tournament's top scorer honor.
Mbappé's milestone and France's dominance
Mbappé's goal came in the first half, showcasing his trademark precision and composure. The French forward has been a key figure throughout the tournament, and his latest strike further cemented his legacy as one of the World Cup's all-time greats. According to match statistics, France controlled possession for 58% of the game and registered 12 shots on target compared to Morocco's 4. The second goal, scored by Antoine Griezmann in the 67th minute, sealed the win after a swift counter-attack.
Morocco's resilient campaign ends
Morocco, who had been a surprise package in the tournament, fought valiantly but could not overcome France's defensive solidity. The Atlas Lions had previously defeated Belgium and Spain en route to the quarterfinals, but their run ended against the reigning champions. Coach Walid Regragui praised his team's effort, stating, "We gave everything, but France showed why they are world champions. We leave with our heads held high." Morocco's goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made several saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
Semifinal implications and golden boot race
France will now face Argentina in the semifinals, a rematch of the 2022 final. The golden boot race remains tight, with Mbappé and Messi both on 20 career World Cup goals. The semifinal promises to be a high-stakes encounter, with both teams vying for a spot in the final. France's victory also extends their unbeaten run in World Cup knockout matches to 10 games, a testament to their depth and tactical discipline under coach Didier Deschamps.
