Foxborough (United States), 10 July (H.S.): Defending runners-up France booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals on Thursday, advancing to the last four for the third consecutive edition of the tournament. France will now face the winner of the Spain-Belgium quarter-final in the semi-finals.

France dominated proceedings from the outset and created several early chances. Captain Kylian Mbappé came close to opening the scoring in the fourth minute but narrowly missed the target. The French side maintained control throughout the first half, restricting Morocco from registering a meaningful shot on goal until injury time.

France were awarded a penalty in the 25th minute, but following an extended video review, Mbappé's poorly struck spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The first half ended goalless, with both teams heading into the break locked at 0-0.

France stepped up the pressure after the restart and finally broke the deadlock in the 60th minute when Mbappé found the back of the net with a superb finish. It was his eighth goal of the tournament, his 12th in FIFA World Cup knockout matches, and his 20th overall World Cup goal.

Just six minutes later, France doubled their advantage. Mbappé delivered an excellent pass to Ousmane Dembélé, who broke through Morocco's defence and calmly slotted the ball into the net to make it 2-0.

Mbappé was substituted in the 77th minute after sustaining a minor injury, with ice later applied to his ankle while he sat on the bench.

Morocco mounted a spirited fightback in the closing stages and created several opportunities, but France's disciplined defence held firm to preserve the clean sheet.

As in the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final, France once again eliminated Morocco from the tournament. Morocco's impressive campaign came to an end in the quarter-finals.

Brief Score

France 2-0 Morocco

Goals: Kylian Mbappé (60'), Ousmane Dembélé (66')

Semi-final: France vs Winner of Spain vs Belgium.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar