World Cup 2026 news: Kylian Mbappé shines again and fires France into semi-finals after penalty miss
France booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals on Thursday, July 9, with Kylian Mbappé once again leading the way in a 2-0 victory over Morocco at Boston Stadium.
The France captain recovered from an early penalty miss to score a superb second-half opener before helping inspire another composed knockout performance that also saw Ousmane Dembélé find the net.
France will now face either Spain or Belgium for a place in the World Cup final.
Mbappé's latest match-winning display continues an outstanding tournament in which he has consistently produced when France have needed him most.
Mbappé responds in style
The quarter-final did not begin according to plan for the French captain.
After winning a first-half penalty, Mbappé saw his spot kick comfortably saved by Yassine Bounou, giving Morocco renewed belief they could frustrate Didier Deschamps' side.
Rather than allowing the miss to affect him, Mbappé took control after the interval.
His brilliant curling finish finally broke the deadlock before Dembélé doubled France's advantage just six minutes later, effectively ending Morocco's hopes of another famous World Cup upset. Mbappé also played a key role in the build-up to France's second goal.
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France continue their march
Although Morocco entered the match with confidence after another impressive tournament, France controlled long periods of the contest through their experience and attacking quality.
The victory also extended Les Bleus' defensive excellence, with another clean sheet ensuring they have yet to concede in the knockout stages of the competition.
With Mbappé, Dembélé and the rest of France's attacking unit finding form at the right time, Didier Deschamps' side continue to look like one of the strongest contenders to lift the trophy.
Mbappé eases injury concerns
France supporters were briefly concerned when Mbappé left the field late in the second half.
However, the captain quickly dismissed fears after the match.
"I have a minor ankle injury, but I am completely fine,” Mbappe told Sky Sports.
“Mateta was in a better position to play the remaining minutes of the match and was fitter at that moment. That is all that happened."
His comments will come as welcome news ahead of France's semi-final, where another decisive contribution from their talisman could be the difference once again.
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France gather momentum
Having navigated another difficult knockout tie, France now move within one victory of reaching a third consecutive FIFA World Cup final.
Mbappé's ability to recover from disappointment and still produce the defining moment of the match underlined why he remains one of the tournament's standout performers.
While Dembélé's goal provided further evidence of the attacking depth available to Deschamps.
For Morocco, the defeat ends another spirited World Cup campaign. For France, the dream of lifting the trophy remains very much alive.
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