Kylian Mbappé continued his sensational 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a match-winning performance as France defeated Morocco 2-0 to book their place in the semi-finals.
The Real Madrid forward, who has been in terrific form throughout the tournament, saw his first-half penalty comfortably saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou after winning the spot-kick when he was brought down by Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui.
Despite the setback, France remained in control and eventually found the breakthrough just after the hour mark. Mbappé produced a moment of brilliance, curling a superb effort into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area to score his eighth goal of the tournament and put Didier Deschamps’ side ahead.
Only six minutes later, France doubled their advantage through Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé. The winger drove directly at the Moroccan defence before firing a low shot that slipped through Bounou’s hands and into the net, effectively sealing France’s place in the last four.
Mbappé’s latest strike sees him draw level with Lionel Messi on eight goals at this World Cup. However, the French superstar now leads the race for the Golden Boot thanks to a superior assist tally over his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate.
The goal also intensifies the battle between the two football icons for the title of the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading scorer. At just 27 years old, Mbappé has now reached 20 World Cup goals, leaving him only one behind the record of 21 currently held by the 39-year-old Messi.
France, champions in 1998 and 2018, continue their quest for a third World Cup title after the heartbreak of their penalty defeat to Argentina in the 2022 final.
They will now face either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals in Dallas on Tuesday, July 14, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
