France Reaches FIFA World Cup 2026 Semifinals After Defeating Morocco 2-0

Kathmandu. The former runner-up France has entered the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. France secured its place in the final four by defeating Morocco by 2-0 goals in the quarter-final match held early Friday morning at Boston Stadium in America.

Star forwards Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scored one goal each for France's victory. Both goals were possible in the second half of the game. With this, France has succeeded in reaching the World Cup semi-finals for the third consecutive time.

Although France created full pressure in the first half, they could not score. France got a golden opportunity for a penalty in the 29th minute of the game. Mbappe himself took the penalty awarded after Morocco's Noussair Mazraoui fouled Mbappe inside the box, but Morocco's goalkeeper Bono saved excellently, preventing France from taking the lead.

In the 60th minute of the second half, Mbappe scored an attractive goal from the edge of the box from Desire Doue's pass, giving France a 1-0 lead. With this goal, Mbappe has climbed to the top of the list of highest scorers with 8 goals in this World Cup, along with Lionel Messi. Just 6 minutes later, in the 66th minute, Ousmane Dembele scored from Mbappe's pass, doubling France's lead.

Amidst the joy of victory for France, Mbappe's injury has added concern. In the 78th minute, Mbappe suddenly fell on the field without any opponent's tackle. As he could not continue the game, he was substituted in the 78th minute. Jean-Philippe Mateta entered the field in his place. If this injury of Mbappe is serious before the semi-finals, it could prove costly for France.
Morocco, which made history by reaching the semi-finals in the last World Cup, has been eliminated from the quarter-finals this time. Although Morocco created some good opportunities in the final moments of the game, they could not overcome the French defense and goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Achraf Hakimi's attempts for Morocco went in vain.