France Defeat Morocco 2-0 to Reach World Cup Semi-Final on Mbappé and Dembélé Goals

France, the pre-tournament favourites, beat Morocco 2-0 on July 9, 2026, to book another World Cup semi-final place. Kylian Mbappé scored after missing an earlier penalty, and Ousmane Dembélé added the second goal for the defending champions.

Morocco were without star striker Ismaël Saibari and could not turn possession into clear chances. Mount Pleasant assistant coach Davian Ferguson described a mature French display in which Les Bleus controlled space and transitions rather than dominating the ball. He said expected-goals figures showed heavy French superiority and argued Morocco's lineup change up front would not have altered the result against William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano.

Former FIFA referee Victor Stewart supported the penalty given after Achraf Mazraoui fouled Mbappé in the box, though he criticised the long VAR delay before the missed kick. Stewart said a player of Mbappé's calibre would not have gone down without contact when facing a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. He also explained that World Cup referee crews are chosen well in advance and reassigned based on performance.

Former Reggae Boy Tyrone Marshall praised France's professional execution but said Morocco offered less fight than expected. The panel also discussed FIFA extending England defender Jarrad Quansah's ban to two matches for serious foul play, which would keep him out of a semi-final if England advance.

On individual honours, Ferguson said the Ballon d'Or will likely go to a World Cup winner, with Mbappé prominent if France lift the trophy. Mbappé and Lionel Messi were tied on eight goals in the Golden Boot race. Fan analyst Rashida Murphy ranked Dembélé and Mbappé among France's best performers and criticised Mazraoui and Achraf Hakimi for Morocco.

The discussion also touched on supporters in Paraguay burning an Mbappé effigy during a local festival, following a public exchange between the player and a Paraguayan senator. Ferguson said the incident did not represent all fans and that hatred should stay out of football.

Spain face Belgium on Friday, July 10, at 2:00 p.m., in the next fixture under review.