- Safiu Kehinde
Two second-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele have sent Morocco packing out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as France advanced to the semi-finals.
France took on Morocco at the first quarterfinals match on Thursday.
The former world champions proved too big for the Atlas Lions to contain as they dominated the game.
However, the Moroccans managed to hold the Les Bleus to a goalless draw at first half.
This was made possible with impressive saves from Morocco’s goalkeeper, Bono, who made crucial saves including saving Mbappe’s penalty in the 26th minute.
France’s attacking threat was evident as they recorded a total of 13 shots as against Morocco’s one.
The Didier Deschamp-led side intensified the threat in the second half with Morocco eventually caving in the 60th minute as Mbappe fired past Bono from the edge of the box, breaking the deadlock.
Barely five minutes into the restart of the game, France doubled the lead courtesy Dembele’s 65th minute goal.
This dented Morocco’s hope of a comeback.
They however attempted to reduce the deficit in the 83rd minute courtesy a free kick won by Hakimi, but the effort was saved by France goalkeeper, Mike Maignan.
France emerged winner of the contest as the referee blew the final whistle at the end of the six minutes additional time.
While the Les Bleus are billed to face the winner between Argentina and Switzerland in the other quarterfinals game, the defeat of Morocco signalled the end of the road for all African nations as the Atlas Lions were the only African team left in the tournament.