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France Beats Morocco 2-0, Mbappé Ties Messi for Golden Boot

7/12/2026

36 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Mbappé Leads Win

France beat Morocco 2-0 on July 10, 2026 in the United States, advancing to the semifinals and ending Africa’s tournament representation.
Kylian Mbappé missed a 28th-minute penalty, scored in the 60th, set up Ousmane Dembele in the 66th, and ties Lionel Messi with eight goals for the Golden Boot.
Mbappé was substituted after 13 minutes for an ankle knock, leaving France to face the Spain-Belgium quarter-final winner in Arlington, Texas.

Summary

Spain Reach Semis

Spain reaches the World Cup semifinal, extending its unbeaten run to 36 games—one short of Italy’s 37—and revives the France-Spain rivalry.
Goalkeeper Unai Simón sets a record with 649 scoreless minutes while Kylian Mbappé becomes the first player with eight goals in consecutive tournaments and reaches 20 goals in 20 matches.
Lamine Yamal, still recovering from an April hamstring tear, has not contributed a goal in six tournament matches.

Summary

Spain Secures Win

Courtois left after an injury in the 71st minute, forcing Belgium to bring on backup Senne Lammens, who could not stop Pau Cubarsí’s shot that gave Spain the winner.
Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana missed the quarter-final after warm-up injuries, weakening Belgium’s midfield and defence.
Spain’s unbeaten run reached 37 matches as Unai Simón’s 650-minute clean-sheet streak ended when Charles De Ketelaere headed the equaliser.

History

Historical Context

The FIFA World Cup, contested every four years since 1930 (except 1942-46), has been dominated by Europe and South America. In 1998 France defeated Brazil 3-0 in the Paris final on 12 July, marking its second World Cup title. The 2026 quarter-finals, featuring France, Spain and Belgium, echo that European legacy.

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Mbappé Leads Win

France beat Morocco 2-0 on July 10, 2026 in the United States, advancing to the semifinals and ending Africa’s tournament representation.
Kylian Mbappé missed a 28th-minute penalty, scored in the 60th, set up Ousmane Dembele in the 66th, and ties Lionel Messi with eight goals for the Golden Boot.
Mbappé was substituted after 13 minutes for an ankle knock, leaving France to face the Spain-Belgium quarter-final winner in Arlington, Texas.

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