TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – France moved a step closer to a second consecutive World Cup title after defeating Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinals on Thursday, securing a place in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kylian Mbappe broke the deadlock in the 60th minute before Ousmane Dembele doubled France's lead in the 66th, sending Les Bleus into the World Cup semifinals, where they will face either Spain or Belgium.
Morocco Hold Firm Before Mbappe Breakthrough
According to CBS Sports, Morocco, facing France in a rematch of their 2022 World Cup semifinal, frustrated the tournament favorites in the opening half and kept the score level heading into the break.
France appeared set to take the lead in the 26th minute after being awarded a penalty following a lengthy VAR review.
However, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou denied Mbappe from the spot after the French captain waited more than three minutes to take the kick.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 60th minute when Mbappe found space outside the penalty area and curled a shot around defender Issa Diop and inside the far post. The goal was his eighth of the tournament and his 20th in World Cup competition.
Dembele doubled France's advantage six minutes later, finishing off a driving run with a low shot that slipped past Bounou.
Injury Concern for Mbappe
France's victory was tempered by concerns over Mbappe's fitness after the forward appeared to suffer an ankle injury late in the match.
The Real Madrid star asked to be substituted in the 77th minute and remained seated on the pitch for several moments before leaving with France's medical staff. Television footage later showed him applying ice to his right ankle while sitting on the bench.
France have yet to provide an official update on the extent of the injury.
The victory sends France into the World Cup semifinals for a third consecutive tournament, making them only the third nation to achieve the feat after Brazil and Germany.
Widely regarded among the favorites entering the tournament, Les Bleus are now two wins away from lifting another World Cup trophy. France will next face the winner of the quarterfinal between Spain and Belgium.
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Kylian Mbappe Nears Messi's World Cup Record After Morocco Goal
1 jam lalu
Kylian Mbappe added another milestone to his World Cup career with his goal against Morocco in the 2026 quarterfinals
2026 World Cup Preview: France, Morocco Battle for a Semifinal Spot
19 jam lalu
France and Morocco renew their 2022 semifinal rivalry in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal, with a semifinal berth at stake.
Kylian Mbappe Hits Back at Racist Insults from Paraguay Senator
2 hari lalu
A Paraguayan senator has sparked outrage with racist insults directed at footballer Kylian Mbappe.
Over 12,000 Evacuated as Wildfire Rages in Southern France
2 hari lalu
The wildfire in the Pyrenees-Orientales remains uncontained, having burned around 4,900 hectares.
UK, France Say Ready for Strait of Hormuz Joint Security Mission
4 hari lalu
UK and France expressed their readiness to lead a multinational military mission to help secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Kylian Mbappe Sends France Past Paraguay into World Cup Last Eight
4 hari lalu
Kylian Mbappe sends France into the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a tense 1-0 victory over Paraguay.
2026 World Cup Preview: Paraguay vs France in Round of 16 Clash
5 hari lalu
Paraguay vs France match in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup will be broadcast live by TVRI on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 04:00 AM, Indonesian time.
As Heat Waves Loom, Scientists Wonder How Humans Will Adapt
6 hari lalu
Temperatures are set to soar in the US around the July 4 holiday, a week after Europe struck new records.
France Records Nearly 9,000 Deaths During Late June Heatwave
6 hari lalu
France recorded an estimated 2,025 excess deaths during the late June heatwave, with nearly 9,000 deaths registered in one week.
After Heat Wave: Wildfires Ravage Southern France
6 hari lalu
Firefighters are battling multiple wildfires in southern France fueled by strong winds, forcing evacuation of nearly 3,000 people.
