Mbappé and Dembélé Propel France into World Cup Semifinals with 2-0 Win Over Morocco
France Advances to Third Straight World Cup Semifinals
The 2026 World Cup quarterfinals have trimmed the field to just eight teams. France continues its flawless run, securing a 2-0 victory against Morocco to maintain an undefeated record through six matches, all won in regulation time.
Kylian Mbappé extended his impressive form by scoring early in the second half, reclaiming the lead in the Golden Boot race over Lionel Messi. Both now sit on eight goals, but Mbappé edges ahead thanks to more assists. Shortly after, Ousmane Dembélé sealed the win with a second goal. This marks France's third consecutive World Cup semifinal appearance.
Though Mbappé suffered a knock late in the game and was substituted, the injury doesn't appear serious. France awaits the winner of the upcoming clash between Belgium and Spain.
Updated World Cup Bracket
After Thursday's match, the bracket tightens as teams inch closer to the final. The remaining quarterfinal schedule is:
- Final: France 2, Morocco 0
- Friday, July 10, 3 p.m. ET (Fox): Belgium vs. Spain
- Saturday, July 11, 5 p.m. ET (Fox): Norway vs. England
- Saturday, July 11, 9 p.m. ET (Fox): Argentina vs. Switzerland
Spain vs. Belgium: Will Belgium Break Spain’s Clean Sheet?
Spain enters this match with a perfect defensive record, having scored nine goals without conceding any. They edged out Portugal in the Round of 16 thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Mikel Merino, limiting their opponents to just 10 shots and no goals.
Belgium dominated the United States 4-1 in the previous round, even without Kevin De Bruyne playing and Jeremy Doku coming off the bench. Though their midfielder Amadou Onana suffered a season-ending ACL injury, Belgium executed a strategy that bypassed the U.S. press effectively.
Belgium’s coach, Rudi Garcia, has shown a willingness to press aggressively in the closing minutes, as seen when Belgium scored twice late against Senegal. This could create chances despite Spain’s dominance. Expect both teams to find the net.
Spain Eyes Unbeaten Streak
Spain’s goalkeeper, Unai Simón, leads the tournament with five clean sheets and has gone 609 minutes without conceding. The team is aiming to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since winning in 2010. Their disciplined defense has held strong, but Belgium poses a tough test with their dynamic midfield.
Quarterfinal Highlights: France’s Commanding Performance
Morocco fought hard, with their keeper Yassine “Bono” Bounou making six remarkable saves, including a standout stop against Jean-Philippe Mateta. Still, France’s precise attacks proved too much, earning them a spot in the semifinals once again.
Looking Ahead: Giants Prepare to Clash
The tournament now features six of FIFA’s top eight ranked teams, signaling intense battles ahead. Legendary players like Mbappé, Messi, Erling Haaland of Norway, and Harry Kane of England are leading their nations toward glory. Their goal-scoring feats are turning heads, with Messi and Mbappé both on eight goals and Haaland close behind.
Injury and Criticism Surrounding USMNT’s Pulisic
Christian Pulisic faced scrutiny from former USWNT star Carli Lloyd after limited appearances in the tournament. Reports later revealed he suffered a bone bruise and microfracture during the loss to Belgium, explaining his absence on the pitch.
Viewership Milestone
The USA vs. Belgium match set a new record for the most-watched soccer game in U.S. history, drawing 33 million viewers on Fox and an additional 12 million on Telemundo, reflecting the sport's growing popularity.
Comments from Erling Haaland on Mbappé’s Penalty Delay
During downtime before Norway’s quarterfinal against England, Haaland expressed frustration over the five-minute wait for Mbappé’s penalty due to a VAR review, calling the delay excessive.
Mbappé Tops Golden Boot Race
With his eighth goal against Morocco, Mbappé surpassed Messi in the Golden Boot standings by virtue of having more assists. Despite both missing penalties in the same game, the rivalry remains fierce as Messi aims to reclaim the lead in Argentina’s next match against Switzerland.
Mbappé’s Fitness Update
Though Mbappé left the match with an ice pack on his ankle, he appeared fine celebrating afterwards, suggesting the injury may not sideline him.
