France Becomes the First Team to Reach the Semifinals of the 2026 World Cup: Mbappé and Dembélé Stop Morocco

The French national team became the first semifinalist of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In the quarterfinals, the French defeated Morocco 2-0, enduring a tense first half and deciding the fate of the match with two precise strikes after the break.

Kylian Mbappe initially missed a penalty but did not let the failure affect his game. In the 60th minute, the captain of France opened the scoring, and six minutes later, Ousmane Dembélé doubled the advantage. Morocco tried to get back into the match, but the French defense once again kept the goal intact.

Now France awaits the winner of the quarterfinal match between Spain and Belgium. This match will take place today, July 10, and could be one of the most spectacular clashes of the current stage of the 2026 World Cup.

France vs. Morocco 2:0: Key Events of the Quarterfinal

Mbappe Missed a Penalty but Still Decided the Match

The key story of the evening revolves around Kylian Mbappe's character. A missed penalty could have thrown even an experienced player off balance, especially in a World Cup quarterfinal where every moment carries immense weight.

However, the captain of France continued to seek open spaces, accelerate attacks, and take control of the game. His goal in the 60th minute was pivotal. Until then, Morocco had successfully contained the pressure, maintaining compactness and gradually making the favorite nervous.

After the first goal, the script changed. The Moroccans had to push forward more actively, creating more space between the lines, and France immediately took advantage of this.

Dembélé Struck Again Before Morocco Could Adjust

Only six minutes passed between the first and second goals. Ousmane Dembélé seized the moment when the opponent was still trying to recover and reorganize after conceding the goal.

This brief period proved decisive. Morocco had a competitive first half and held real chances for an upset for a long time, but France punished the opponent for a few minutes of lost concentration.

The victory was convincing not because of total dominance throughout the 90 minutes, but due to the French ability to sharply increase their performance at crucial moments.

Why Morocco Couldn’t Repeat the Upset

The Moroccan national team reached the quarterfinals thanks to discipline, patience, and the ability to play against more prestigious opponents. However, against France, these qualities proved insufficient.

In the first half, Morocco successfully contained the favorite and did not allow them to create a constant threat. However, the team had few chances of their own. After conceding a goal, they had to abandon their usual cautious plan, and in open football, France's advantage became significantly more apparent.

Morocco exits the 2026 World Cup, but the team has once again shown that they are no longer a random guest in the late stages of major tournaments. Their organization and character allowed them to reach the top eight national teams in the world.

France Does Not Concede in the Knockout Stage

One of the most impressive stats for the French national team is three consecutive clean sheets in the knockout stage. France has successively defeated Sweden, Paraguay, and Morocco without allowing their opponents to score a single goal.

This streak highlights the team's main quality: even when the attack does not function perfectly, the defense maintains its structure. In the later stages of the World Cup, such reliability is often more important than flashy play.

Third Consecutive Semifinal: France Back Among the Best

The French national team has reached the semifinals for the third consecutive World Cup. Such stability is particularly impressive against the backdrop of numerous upsets in the 2026 World Cup: Brazil, Portugal, Germany, and the Netherlands have already exited the tournament.

France, on the other hand, continues to move through the bracket without panic and sharp fluctuations. The team can play matches of varying styles but maintains results, discipline, and the ability to resolve key episodes.

Spain Will Play Belgium Today

The second semifinalist will be determined in the match between Spain and Belgium. The meeting will take place today, July 10, at 22:00 Moscow time.

Spain approached the quarterfinals with perfect defensive statistics and a series of victories. In the previous round, the team narrowly defeated Portugal thanks to a late goal from Mikel Merino.

Belgium, on the contrary, made a strong impression in attack, crushing the USA 4:1. Therefore, today's match can be considered a clash of two different approaches: Spanish control and Belgian vertical attack.

Spain vs. Belgium: Key Factors of the Match

Who Will Face France in the Semifinal?

The winner of the Spain vs. Belgium match will meet France in the semifinals. Either option creates a significant matchup.

France vs. Spain will be a clash of the two most structured teams in the tournament. France vs. Belgium will offer a completely different narrative: familiar opponents, individual skill, and high-speed transitions.

For the French, it is important that they have already accomplished their task and gained extra time for recovery. Meanwhile, Mbappe's condition after a minor ankle injury will be one of the main topics leading up to the semifinal.

Updated BET RATING Favorites Index

What to Consider Before Betting on Spain vs. Belgium

Spain appears to be the more stable team, but Belgium has already shown that they can punish opponents for mistakes in transitional phases. Therefore, evaluating the match solely based on the favorite's status is risky.

Markets for the main outcome, progression to the semifinals, totals, handicaps, both teams to score, and individual statistics are available at Olimpbet.kz.

Before choosing a bet, it is important to consider possible changes in lineups. Belgium has personnel losses in midfield, while the participation of several Spanish players remained in question before the match.

BET RATING Prediction

Spain looks like a slight favorite in the matchup. The team controls the tempo better and has yet to concede in the knockout stage. However, Belgium can create problems with their quick transitions from defense and the quality of their attacking line.

It is crucial for Spain not to allow the match to turn into an open exchange of attacks. Conversely, Belgium benefits from a faster and more open style of play. The first goal could completely determine the subsequent scenario.

FAQ: France vs. Morocco and the Quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup

How did the match France vs. Morocco end?

France defeated Morocco 2:0 and became the first semifinalist of the 2026 World Cup.

Who scored in the match France vs. Morocco?

Kylian Mbappe scored in the 60th minute and Ousmane Dembélé scored in the 66th minute.

Who will France face in the semifinals?

France will meet the winner of the quarterfinal match between Spain and Belgium.

When will the match Spain vs. Belgium take place?

The quarterfinal match between Spain and Belgium will take place on July 10 at 22:00 Moscow time.

Who else will play in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup?

The remaining quarterfinals will feature Norway vs. England, as well as Argentina vs. Switzerland.

Conclusion

France confidently passed Morocco and became the first semifinalist of the 2026 World Cup. Mbappe redeemed himself after missing a penalty, Dembélé secured the advantage, and the French defense recorded their third consecutive clean sheet in the knockout stage.

Today, France's opponent will be determined: Spain will meet Belgium in one of the central matches of the quarterfinal stage. For fresh news, analysis, and reviews of the World Cup, read on BET RATING, and check the latest odds at Olimpbet.kz.