Mbappe scores as France reach third straight FIFA WC semi-final with 2-0 win
Synopsis
Mbappe missed a penalty, then scored the opener as France beat Morocco 2-0 to reach a third straight World Cup semi-final. With 20 goals in 20 appearances, he is now one goal away from Messi's all-time World Cup scoring record — and at least one match left to break it.
Key Takeaways
France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final on Friday at Foxborough .
Kylian Mbappe scored in the 60th minute after missing a penalty; Ousmane Dembele added a second in the 66th minute .
France have now reached their third consecutive FIFA World Cup semi-final .
Mbappe has scored 20 goals in 20 World Cup appearances across 2018 , 2022 , and 2026 — just one behind Messi's all-time record of 21 .
He became the youngest player to feature in 20 World Cup matches and the fastest to reach 20 World Cup goals .
France's semi-final opponent will be either Belgium or Spain .
Kylian Mbappe scored his eighth goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to help France defeat Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-final on Friday at Foxborough, sending the two-time champions into their third consecutive semi-final. Despite the milestone, Mbappe was candid about where this French side stands in the broader picture of world football.
How France Won
The match began on an uncertain note for France's captain, who missed a penalty in the opening exchanges. However, Mbappe made amends with a composed finish in the 60th minute to give Les Bleus the lead. Ousmane Dembele then doubled the advantage in the 66th minute, putting the result beyond doubt and sending France through to the last four.
What Mbappe Said After the Match
Speaking after the game, as quoted by French sports daily L'Equipe, Mbappe was measured in his assessment of the squad's standing. 'I don't know if it's the strongest. I was a world champion and a world runner-up, and this team hasn't achieved that yet. However, it's undoubtedly the one with the most potential,' he said. He added: 'I've always said that the strongest teams are the ones that win trophies. That's not the case for this one yet, so no, it's not the strongest.'
On reaching the semi-final, Mbappe said the occasion carries special weight. 'It's always a great moment. It's an important step for the team, and for the more experienced players, it's their third semi-final,' he noted. Asked whether he preferred facing Belgium or Spain in the next round, he indicated he had no preference, adding: 'Whatever happens, it will be a chance for redemption for someone.'
Mbappe's Historic World Cup Numbers
The goal against Morocco took Mbappe's overall World Cup tally to 20 goals in 20 appearances across three editions — 2018, 2022, and 2026. He also became the youngest player to feature in 20 FIFA World Cup matches and the fastest to reach the milestone of 20 World Cup goals. Notably, he now sits just one goal behind Lionel Messi's all-time record of 21 World Cup goals, with at least one semi-final appearance remaining to close that gap.
What's Next for France
France will await the outcome of the quarter-final between Belgium and Spain to learn their semi-final opponent. This comes amid growing expectation that the current French generation, despite Mbappe's own caution, is among the most gifted to have represented the nation. Whether they can convert potential into silverware remains the central question of their 2026 campaign.
Point of View
The numbers tell a different story: 20 goals in 20 appearances, one shy of Messi's all-time record, with games still to play. The more interesting question is whether France's recurring semi-final appearances without a third title represent a dynasty in the making or a generation that keeps arriving at the door without opening it. Three straight semi-finals is elite consistency; anything short of the final will sharpen that debate considerably.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did France beat Morocco in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final?
France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-final at Foxborough on Friday. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring in the 60th minute after missing a first-half penalty, and Ousmane Dembele sealed the win with a second goal in the 66th minute.
How many World Cup goals does Mbappe have in total?
Mbappe now has 20 goals in 20 FIFA World Cup appearances across the 2018, 2022, and 2026 editions. He is one goal behind Lionel Messi's all-time record of 21 World Cup goals.
What records did Mbappe set against Morocco?
Mbappe became the youngest player to feature in 20 FIFA World Cup matches and the fastest to reach 20 World Cup goals. His strike against Morocco was his eighth goal of the 2026 tournament.
Who will France face in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final?
France's semi-final opponent will be either Belgium or Spain, depending on the outcome of their quarter-final. Mbappe said he had no preference and was focused on recovery.
What did Mbappe say about France's chances at the 2026 World Cup?
Speaking after the Morocco win, Mbappe said France is 'undoubtedly the one with the most potential' but stressed that 'the strongest teams are the ones that win trophies,' adding that this side has not yet achieved that. He was quoted by French daily L'Equipe.
