Morocco’s unforgettable World Cup journey came to an end on Thursday night after a 2-0 defeat to France, a result that sent the defending champions into the semifinals and ended Africa’s hopes of producing a first-ever World Cup winner.
The Atlas Lions had become the continent’s last surviving team after a spirited campaign that captured the imagination of football fans across Africa. But against a France side packed with quality and confidence, their fairytale finally ran out of road.
Morocco had every reason to believe they could pull off another upset when Kylian Mbappé missed a first-half penalty after being brought down inside the area. The save lifted the Moroccan supporters and briefly shifted the momentum in their favour as they frustrated France for much of the opening period.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 60th minute. Mbappé, who had endured a frustrating evening up to that point, found space inside the box and calmly finished to put France ahead.
Before Morocco could regroup, France struck again. Six minutes later, Mbappé turned creator, picking out Ousmane Dembélé, who made no mistake with his finish in the 66th minute to put the result beyond doubt.
Morocco kept searching for a way back into the contest and enjoyed spells of possession, but France managed the game with the composure expected of reigning champions, closing out a sixth straight victory at the tournament.
Mbappé’s influence was impossible to ignore. Despite the earlier penalty miss, he finished with a goal and an assist to earn the FIFA Man of the Match award.
His latest goal means he has now produced eight goals and three assists at the 2026 World Cup, while his overall World Cup tally has climbed to a remarkable 20 goals in just 20 appearances. At only 27, he continues to rewrite football’s biggest record books.
Dembélé’s transformation has been just as impressive. He arrived at this tournament without a World Cup goal to his name, but has now scored five, with every one of them coming in France’s last five matches.
For Morocco, the final whistle marked the end of a campaign that will be remembered with enormous pride. As Africa’s last team left in the competition, they carried the dreams of an entire continent into the quarterfinals and bowed out with their heads held high after another courageous effort.
France, meanwhile, are now only two victories away from defending their world title. With Mbappé producing at an extraordinary level and his teammates continuing to deliver around him, Les Bleus head into the semifinals looking every bit like a team determined to lift the trophy once again.