France secured their place in the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Morocco on Thursday, thanks to a stunning goal from Kylian Mbappé and a second from Ousmane Dembélé. The win extends Les Bleus' remarkable run of reaching the last four in three consecutive World Cups, a feat that underlines their status as one of the tournament's dominant forces.
Mbappé, who missed a first-half penalty, redeemed himself with a moment of brilliance early in the second half. Collecting the ball on the left flank, he cut inside and unleashed a powerful strike that flew into the top corner, leaving the Moroccan goalkeeper with no chance. The goal broke Moroccan resistance and set the stage for Dembélé to add a second later in the half, finishing calmly after a pass from Mbappé.
Morocco, who had impressed throughout the tournament with their disciplined defence and counter-attacking threat, struggled to create clear chances against a well-organised French side. The Atlas Lions were forced to retreat for long periods as France pressed high and controlled possession. Despite their best efforts, they could not find a way past the French backline, and the match ended with a comfortable margin for the reigning champions.
France coach Didier Deschamps praised his team's mentality and resilience after the match. «That's three semi-finals in a row,» he said. «That's already good. But even though it seems logical and natural for us to be here, you still have to achieve it.» Deschamps highlighted the human aspect of the squad's success, noting that the players' commitment to the jersey and to each other has been crucial. «The only truth is the one on the pitch, but the human aspect is extremely important,» he added.
Mbappé's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he once again proved to be the key figure for France. Despite the early penalty miss, he remained composed and influential, creating the opening goal and then assisting Dembélé. Deschamps described Mbappé as «exemplary», emphasising that the forward never hesitates and always takes responsibility. «There's no problem, he never hesitates,» the coach said.
France will now face either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals, with both opponents presenting significant challenges. Spain have been formidable in defence throughout the tournament, while Belgium boast a wealth of attacking talent. Deschamps acknowledged the difficulty ahead but expressed confidence in his squad's ability to adapt. «We will prepare for whoever comes,» he said. «The most important thing is that we are still in the competition.»
The victory also marked a continuation of France's dominance in international football. Since winning the World Cup in 2018 and reaching the final in 2022, Les Bleus have maintained a high level of performance, blending experienced players with emerging talent. The current squad includes a mix of veterans and younger stars, all of whom have contributed to the team's success.
For Morocco, the defeat ends a historic campaign that saw them become the first African team to reach the World Cup quarter-finals. Their journey captured the imagination of fans worldwide, and they leave the tournament with their heads held high. Coach Walid Regragui expressed pride in his team's achievements, stating that they had shown the world what Moroccan football is capable of.
As France look ahead to the semi-finals, the focus will be on maintaining their momentum and overcoming the next hurdle. With Mbappé in inspired form and a solid defensive structure, they will be confident of progressing further. The semi-final is scheduled for next week, with the winner advancing to the final in pursuit of World Cup glory.
