Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé combined to send France into the World Cup semifinals as Les Bleus defeated Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinals. Mbappé’s second-half finish and Dembélé’s 66th-minute goal ended a tense match that featured an early penalty drama and sustained French control. The win sends France to a semifinal in Dallas on July 14.
The match followed a familiar script of France probing possession and Morocco defending in numbers. Morocco’s compact setup kept the score level through much of the game, but France slowly created openings and eventually converted when their chance arrived.
Quick score and key facts
Final score: France 2, Morocco 0. Goals: Kylian Mbappé (second half) and Ousmane Dembélé (66′). France advance to the World Cup semifinals and will play on July 14 in Dallas.
Kylian Mbappé penalty drama and goal
The match’s defining early moment came when France were awarded a penalty after a foul in Morocco’s box. Kylian Mbappé stepped up but saw his first attempt saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The penalty sequence drew attention because the referee paused play multiple times to allow VAR checks and to manage the restart, requiring Mbappé to repeat his run-up before the kick.
Bounou’s save kept the first half scoreless and kept Morocco in the game. The delay and repeated approach to the ball generated conversation about procedure and composure under pressure, but it did not ultimately change the result for France.
Mbappé made amends in the second half. He found space in the penalty area and finished with composure to put France ahead. That strike was Mbappé’s eighth goal of this World Cup and brought his career World Cup total to 20 goals, according to Fox News coverage.
Dembele’s second-half strike and match control
After Morocco pushed forward in an attempt to respond to the opening goal, France exploited gaps in transition. Ousmane Dembélé broke through in the 66th minute with a low shot that squeezed past Bounou and gave France breathing room.
From the hour mark onward, France controlled the pace and shielded the lead by keeping possession and limiting Morocco’s clear chances. Morocco continued to press late, but the visitors were unable to fashion a high-quality finish until stoppage time, underscoring France’s defensive organization and game management.
What this means for the tournament
France’s victory keeps Didier Deschamps’ side on course as one of the tournament favorites. The win moves them into a semifinal slot on July 14 in Dallas, where they will face the winner of Spain vs. Belgium. That match-up will shape the likely path to the final and may pit France’s attacking stars against one of Europe’s most possession-oriented teams.
With the knockout rounds compressing the schedule, France will have to balance recovery and preparation. The result also hands momentum to a French squad that combined a patient first-half approach with clinical finishing after the break.
Match chronology — key moments
First half: France established possession and tested Morocco’s defensive shape but did not convert early chances. A foul in the box led to a penalty that was saved by Yassine Bounou after VAR-related delays and restarts.
Second half: Mbappé opened the scoring with a composed finish inside the area, his eighth of the tournament, breaking the deadlock and forcing Morocco to chase the game. In the 66th minute, Dembélé extended the lead with a low strike that found the net despite the goalkeeper’s attempt to block it.
Late: Morocco pushed forward in the final minutes and created a late opportunity in stoppage time, but France held on to secure the win and a place in the semifinals.
By the numbers
- Final score: France 2, Morocco 0
- Kylian Mbappé: 8 goals in this World Cup (20 career World Cup goals)
- Ousmane Dembélé: goal in the 66th minute
- Next: France vs. Spain/Belgium — July 14, 3 p.m., Dallas
- Note: Lionel Messi’s career World Cup total stands at 21 goals; Mbappé has 20 career World Cup goals (per Fox News coverage).
FAQ
Did Kylian Mbappé score in this match?
Yes. Mbappé scored in the second half to give France the lead. It was his eighth goal of this World Cup and his 20th career World Cup goal.
What happened with Mbappé’s penalty attempt?
Mbappé’s first-half penalty was saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The sequence included referee pauses for VAR checks, which required the player to approach the ball multiple times before the kick was taken.
When do France play their World Cup semifinal?
France will play the semifinal on July 14 at 3 p.m. in Dallas. Their opponent will be the winner of the Spain vs. Belgium quarterfinal.
Reporting based on coverage from Fox News: Fox News.
