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France Storm Into 2026 World Cup Semifinals

Sport
July 10, 2026
France World Cup Semifinals 2026

France booked the first 2026 World Cup semifinals berth on Thursday. Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scored in a 2-0 quarterfinal win over Morocco. The result at Boston Stadium pushed France into the final four.

Mbappe Powers France Past Morocco, Then Exits Injured

Mbappe opened the scoring against Morocco in the 60th minute. Dembele doubled the lead six minutes later, in the 66th. Mbappe had missed a first-half penalty earlier in the match. Morocco pressed after the break but could not solve the France defense. France led 2-0 and never trailed at Boston Stadium. Morocco exited the 2026 World Cup at the quarterfinal stage.

Mbappe’s opener was his eighth goal of the 2026 tournament. The strike also became Mbappe’s 20th career World Cup goal. That tally pushed Mbappe into the tournament Golden Boot lead. Dembele added the insurance goal that sealed the 2-0 result. The 27-year-old Mbappe returned to celebrate with teammates after the whistle. Mbappe finished the win with a goal and an assist.

France has now reached the semifinals at three consecutive World Cups. Les Bleus won the 2018 title under coach Didier Deschamps. France then lost the 2022 final to Argentina in a penalty shootout. Deschamps has steered France to a deep run every recent cycle. That track record separates France from most contenders left in 2026.

Mbappe exited in the 77th minute after a knock to his ankle. Mbappe told reporters the ankle problem felt minor after the win. Deschamps said Mbappe has slight ankle pain but nothing serious. France plays its July 14 semifinal in Dallas against Spain or Belgium. A victory would send France to the July 19 final.

France now waits to learn its semifinal opponent in Dallas. Spain and Belgium meet Friday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The winner of that quarterfinal advances to face France. Spain last won the World Cup in 2010, its only title. Belgium’s best World Cup finish stands as third place in 2018. Both teams reached the last eight with knockout wins.

Two quarterfinals remain on Saturday to complete the 2026 World Cup bracket. Norway faces England at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Argentina plays Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Those Saturday kickoffs run from 5 p.m. ET to 9 p.m. ET. The second semifinal follows on July 15 in Atlanta. The 2026 World Cup final is set for July 19.

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Sources: ESPN reported the France 2-0 win over Morocco on July 9. CBS Sports and Yahoo Sports detailed Mbappe’s ankle update and the quarterfinal schedule.