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France Beats Morocco 2-0, Mbappé Ties Golden Boot

7/11/2026

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Summary

Mbappé Secures Win

France beat Morocco 2-0 in the World Cup quarter-final, advancing to the semi-finals.
Kylian Mbappé scored in the 60th minute, his 20th World Cup goal and eighth of the tournament, tying him with Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot.
Ousmane Dembélé added a second goal in the 66th minute after a pass from Mbappé.
The win gave France its third straight World Cup semi-final.

Summary

Morocco Defies Odds

The match on July 14, France’s Bastille Day, was called a patriotic “providence” by French players.
Morocco reached a second consecutive African quarter-final despite an expected-goals (xG) of only 0.12 and five shots.
Six Moroccan players hold dual French citizenship, making the fixture a “semi-derby” that highlighted shared national ties.
Coach Didier Deschamps said wearing the French shirt is a duty to the nation and future generations.

History

Historical Context

France’s first World Cup triumph came in 1998, when the team won 3-0 over Brazil at the newly opened Stade de France, a venue that seats 81,338 spectators. The victory sparked a lasting national pride that resurfaced on 14 July 2024, when Les Bleus beat Morocco 2-0, echoing the 1998 celebration and reinforcing football’s role in French unity.

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Mbappé Secures Win

France beat Morocco 2-0 in the World Cup quarter-final, advancing to the semi-finals.
Kylian Mbappé scored in the 60th minute, his 20th World Cup goal and eighth of the tournament, tying him with Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot.
Ousmane Dembélé added a second goal in the 66th minute after a pass from Mbappé.
The win gave France its third straight World Cup semi-final.

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