Morocco’s remarkable FIFA 2026 World Cup run ended on Thursday as France beat them 2-0 in the quarter-finals to reach the semi-finals.
The Atlas Lions — Africa’s last team left — carried a whole continent’s hopes to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, but were undone by the quality and experience of Didier Deschamps’ side.
Kylian Mbappe, who missed an earlier penalty, inspired France by scoring and setting up Ousmane Dembele as Les Bleus moved into the last four.
Mbappe had won a first-half penalty after being fouled by Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui. After a long delay, his tame effort was comfortably saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Mbappe made amends in the 60th minute, curling a superb shot in from the edge of the area to break Morocco’s resistance.
Six minutes later, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele sealed the win. He was allowed to drive at the Morocco defence and fired a low shot that Bounou got a hand to but could not keep out.
Mbappe’s goal was his eighth of the tournament, drawing him level with Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race; he leads on assists.
Morocco leave with pride, after another impressive World Cup showing. They had been tipped to trouble France and were Africa’s last hope. The run capped a historic tournament for the continent — a record nine African nations reached the knockouts after the expansion to 48 teams.
France now await either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals.
