Form going into the Quarter-final
2022 Semi-final — the rematch context
In the 2022 World Cup Semi-final in Qatar, France beat Morocco 2-0. Theo Hernandez scored inside the first minute to give France the lead and Mbappe converted a late penalty to seal it. Morocco had been the tournament's darlings — the first African and Arab nation ever to reach a World Cup Semi-final — and their elimination was one of the most emotional moments in recent World Cup history.
Many Morocco players and fans had spoken about that result as unfinished business. The 2026 draw gave them their chance — but France won by an identical 2-0 scoreline in the Quarter-final on July 9, denying Morocco the chance to reach back-to-back World Cup Semi-finals.
Key battle — Ounahi vs Mbappe
Azzedine Ounahi was the player of the tournament for Morocco coming in. The Marseille midfielder scored twice against Canada in R16 and had been orchestrating attacks with a combination of technical quality and relentless energy. But against France he could not find the moment of magic to unlock the scoreline.
Kylian Mbappe (8 goals at this stage) was the most dangerous attacker left in the draw. He scored in the 2022 SF against Morocco, and although his penalty was saved in this Quarter-final, he recovered to score the opener himself and set up Dembele for France's second goal. France's press ultimately squeezed Morocco's midfield out of the game. Mbappe was shackled in the Semi-final against Spain on July 14 — 3 shots, none on target — but bounced back with a brace in the Third-place match on July 18, finishing the tournament as outright Golden Boot winner on 10 goals as France finished 4th.
The match within the match: Ounahi's energy could not crowd out France's quality on the night.
What does the result mean for Africa?
Morocco reaching the 2022 Semi-final remains the greatest achievement in African football history. The 2-0 Quarter-final loss on July 9 means 2026 will not add to that story, but Morocco leave the tournament having again reached the Quarter-finals — a continued sign of their status as a genuine global football power, not just a continental one.
A deeper run (via Brazil/Norway's conqueror, then Spain/Argentina's conqueror in the SF) would have been the most extraordinary story in World Cup history — instead that path now belongs to France.
What happened to France in the Semi-final?
France's Semi-final 1 opponent was Spain, who had beaten Belgium 2-1 in QF2 (July 10, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles). Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring for Spain, Charles De Ketelaere equalized for Belgium before half-time, and substitute Mikel Merino scored the 88th-minute winner off a rebound to send Spain through. Semi-final 1 was played July 14 at AT&T Stadium, Dallas — Spain won 2-0. Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty in the 22nd minute after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal, and Pedro Porro added a second in the 58th minute from a give-and-go with Dani Olmo. Mbappe was shackled all game (3 shots, none on target) and France's tournament ends here — Spain reach their second-ever World Cup Final. Semi-final 2, Argentina 2-1 England, was played July 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta — Anthony Gordon put England ahead (55'), but Enzo Fernández equalized (85') and Lautaro Martínez scored the stoppage-time winner (90+2', assisted by Messi) to send Argentina through. England are eliminated and play France in the third-place match on July 18 in Miami.
The Final is on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey — Spain vs Argentina for the title. See the full QF bracket and Semi-finals guide.
Match verdict
France's quality told in the end. Morocco's defensive solidity made them hard to break down for long spells, and they will feel Mbappe's saved penalty kept them in the game longer than expected. But Mbappe's own goal in the 60th minute and his assist for Dembele's second were enough to see France through 2-0 and book their place in the Semi-final. Morocco's Atlas Lions exit the tournament at the Quarter-final stage, unable to repeat their historic 2022 run. France's own run ended a round later, beaten 2-0 by Spain in the Semi-final on July 14.