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France secured a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals with a 2-0 victory over Morocco on Thursday, continuing an impressive tournament run and moving within two wins of the title.

The quarterfinal remained scoreless at halftime despite several opportunities for France to break the deadlock. Kylian Mbappe was denied from the penalty spot, while Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced a series of important saves to keep his side level through the opening 45 minutes.

France eventually found the breakthrough in the second half. Mbappe opened the scoring in the 60th minute with a well-taken finish, beating Bounou at the far post to register his eighth goal of the tournament. Six minutes later, Ousmane Dembele doubled the advantage, giving France firm control of the contest.

The goals also highlighted France’s attacking strength during the competition. Mbappe's eighth strike moved him level with Lionel Messi of Argentina and Erling Haaland of Norway in the race for the tournament's Golden Boot. Dembele, meanwhile, reached five goals for the tournament.

With Mbappe and Dembele both scoring at least five goals, France became the first team since Brazil in 2002 to feature multiple players reaching that mark at a single World Cup. Brazil achieved the same feat through Ronaldo and Rivaldo during their title-winning campaign.

France comfortably protected their lead for the remainder of the match to advance to the final four. The 2018 world champions will now prepare for a semifinal in Arlington, where they will face the winner of the quarterfinal between Spain and Belgium.

Having progressed through another knockout-round challenge, France remains among the leading contenders for the FIFA World Cup 2026 title as the tournament enters its decisive stage.