France Leads Charge to 2026 World Cup Semifinals

France clinches semifinals berth

France became the first team to book a spot in the last four with a convincing 2‑0 victory over Morocco in Boston on Thursday. The match was locked at 0‑0 after the first half, following a Kylian Mbappé penalty that was saved by Yassine Bounou. Mbappé broke the deadlock early in the second period with a spectacular strike, and Ousmane Dembélé added a second goal shortly after. The win sets up a showdown against the winner of Friday’s clash between Spain and Belgium.

Quarterfinal lineup and results

Four nations remain after the opening set of knockout games. Morocco’s run ended in Boston, while six other squads—Spain, Belgium (women’s team), England, Norway, Argentina, and Switzerland—are still in contention. All eight teams entered the quarterfinals, but only half will advance to the semifinals by Sunday morning. The early results highlighted the depth of talent across the tournament, with both traditional powerhouses and rising sides pushing for advancement.

Key moments and standout performances

Kylian Mbappé’s penalty attempt early in the match sparked a tense first half, but Bounou’s reflexes kept the score level. The breakthrough came when Mbappé collected the ball near the edge of the box and unleashed a curling shot that slipped past the keeper. Dembélé’s goal showcased his pace and positioning, capitalising on a space created by Mbappé’s movement. Both goals underscored France’s ability to combine individual skill with coordinated attack.

Looking ahead to the semifinals

France now waits for the outcome of Friday’s quarterfinal between Spain and Belgium, which will determine their semifinal opponent. The match will take place in the same Boston venue that hosted the opening quarterfinal. As the tournament progresses, the remaining four teams will battle for a place in the championship match. Fans can expect high‑intensity football and more decisive scoring as the competition narrows.

The path to the title continues, with France poised to make another run after securing their spot among the last four.