France's Mbappe nears Messi record as they book World Cup semifinal

France secured a World Cup semifinal berth on Thursday, July 9, 2026, when Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring in the 60th minute at Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, and later provided the assist for Ousmane Dembele’s goal, giving France a 2‑0 victory over Morocco. Mbappe’s strike was his 20th World Cup goal, leaving him just one behind Argentina’s Lionel Messi on the all‑time list. Earlier in the match, his penalty in the 28th minute was saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The goal came in the 60th minute, cementing his record‑breaking run. Six minutes later, Ousmane Dembele added France’s second, netting his fifth goal of the tournament in the 66th minute. The quick double put the game beyond Morocco’s reach. Dembele’s finish completed the 2‑0 scoreline.

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Morocco’s coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed disappointment, saying the team’s transitions were not great and they had to run more. He acknowledged France’s dominance in the match. The Moroccan side could not respond despite Bounou’s earlier save. France dominated possession, registering 21 shots with eight on target, while Morocco managed only four attempts and a single shot on target. The disparity highlighted France’s offensive pressure throughout the quarter‑final. These statistics underscored the French side’s superiority.

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The victory sends France to a Dallas semifinal on Tuesday, where they will meet either Spain or Belgium. A win there would keep France on track to become only the third nation to reach three consecutive World Cup finals. The upcoming match will be played in Dallas.