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France advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a convincing 2-0 win over Morocco in Boston, thanks to second-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. The defending champions will now face either Spain or Belgium in the last four.

Mbappe netted his eighth goal of the tournament, drawing level with Lionel Messi at the top of the scoring charts as he continues his quest for the Golden Boot.

The 27-year-old forward had an earlier opportunity to put France ahead when he was fouled inside the box in the first half. However, after a lengthy delay, his penalty was saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who guessed correctly to his right.

Mbappe made up for that missed chance after the break, opening the scoring in spectacular fashion before Dembele sealed victory with his fifth goal of the World Cup.

Morocco, who were hoping to reach their second consecutive World Cup semi-final, were once again halted by France, just as they were in 2022.

France showed attacking intent right from the start. Within the opening minutes, Dayot Upamecano had a chance to score with a free header from close range, but Bounou was alert to keep it out, moments after denying Mbappe from distance.

The French side continued to press, and midway through the first half, Noussair Mazraoui brought down Mbappe inside the area, handing Les Bleus a golden opportunity. Yet Mbappe’s weak penalty was easily gathered by Bounou after a nearly three-minute wait to take the kick.

Despite the missed chance, France remained dominant, with Bounou again called into action to stop a low effort from Desire Doue inside the area.

Morocco began the second half with renewed energy and threatened through Brahim Diaz, whose shot was blocked in their first real attack from open play.

On the hour mark, France finally broke the deadlock. After regaining possession, Desire Doue found Mbappe, who unleashed a precise strike from 18 yards into the far corner, leaving Bounou with no chance.

Just six minutes later, France doubled their advantage. Dembele collected the ball in midfield and charged toward Morocco’s defence. Mbappe’s clever movement drew defenders away, allowing the Paris Saint-Germain winger to slot the ball into the bottom right corner, again beyond the reach of Bounou.

It was a dominant performance from France, who looked comfortable once they established their two-goal lead. The result sends them into yet another World Cup semi-final, with their title defence still firmly on track.