BOSTON, USA: In a performance that sent shockwaves through Boston’s Gillette Stadium, Kylian Mbappe wrote his name deeper into World Cup folklore, scoring his tournament-leading eighth goal as France cruised past Morocco 2-0 to book their place in the semi-finals.
The Paris Saint-Germain superstar, who earlier saw a first-half penalty saved, responded with typical brilliance just after the hour mark, before Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele added a second six minutes later, a devastating one-two punch that left the Atlas Lions with no route back into the contest.
Breaking News 😳🔥💔
France have ended Morocco’s incredible World Cup run, securing a 2-0 victory to book a place in the semi-finals.
Goal and assist from Kylian Mbappé in the second half proved decisive, as the Atlas Lions couldn’t break through a solid French defence. MBAPPE… pic.twitter.com/CZZzzCpMV6
— ViralPitch (@ViralPitchHQ) July 10, 2026
For a nation that has already lifted the sport’s greatest prize twice in the last 28 years, in 1998 and 2018, the question now being asked across French football is whether Didier Deschamps, in his final tournament as manager, has assembled the finest Les Bleus side ever seen.
‘On the verge of greatness’
Patrick Vieira, who patrolled the midfield in France’s 3-0 demolition of Brazil in the 1998 final, believes this current crop stands on the threshold of immortality.
“We’re talking about a generation of players and when you look at the squad and the attacking players, it is maybe one of the best, because you have so many players – it is so unbelievable,” the former Arsenal captain told ITV Sport.
“If they lift the trophy on 19 July, they can justify that claim.”
The statistics certainly make compelling reading. France have now scored 16 goals in six matches, more than any other side in the tournament, with Mbappe and Dembele becoming only the second duo in 50 years to each net five or more goals at the same World Cup – a feat previously achieved only by Brazil’s Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002.
An attacking arsenal that terrifies Europe
Mbappe’s eighth strike moved him level with Argentina’s Lionel Messi at the summit of the Golden Boot race, though the Frenchman currently leads by virtue of his superior assist count.
But it is the sheer depth of attacking riches that has former Scotland striker Pat Nevin purring.
“France are the best, most skilful, most dangerous attacking team in the tournament,” Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live. “They have more than one threat. They have two, three, four that are capable.”
Beyond the headline-grabbing duo, Deschamps can call upon Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, PSG pair Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue, Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta – a squad so deep that even European champions Spain, their likely semi-final opponents, are viewed with confidence.
France, as they have been throughout the World Cup, were completely dominant against Morocco, who exit the World Cup having barely laid a glove on Didier Deschamps’ side.
Kylian Mbappe’s delightful curling effort was soon followed up by Ousmane Dembele’s fifth major… pic.twitter.com/5yQvnv0hqd
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) July 9, 2026
Vieira: ‘I don’t see anybody stopping them’
Spain, who sit second in the world rankings behind holders Argentina, have reached the quarter-finals without conceding a goal. Yet Vieira, who won 107 caps for France, dismissed any concerns about the Iberian threat.
“Before the competition, we were all convinced that Spain would be in the semi-final or the quarter-final,” he said. “I think France will not have any kind of issues playing against them. France are a better team today than they were four years ago, but I don’t think Spain are a better team today than they were four years ago.”
Speaking with the authority of a World Cup winner, Vieira delivered his verdict with conviction: “I don’t see anybody stopping the French team going to the final.”
The only threat? Complacency
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, never one to exaggerate, offered a measured assessment of France’s prospects.
“France have got more gears to go,” Keane said. “France were so much better in every aspect of the game, but it doesn’t mean they cannot be beaten.”
The Irishman identified the crucial factor: “Any chance of beating France you have got to score the first goal. Even if they get the first goal, teams have to come at them, and they will pick you off for fun.”
Yet even Keane acknowledged the scale of the challenge facing any potential opponent. France have conceded just two goals in six matches, a late consolation against Senegal and one in a dead-rubber victory over Norway – while dominating possession and creating chances at will.
Deschamps’ final dance
For French Manager Deschamps, who has presided over French football since 2012, this tournament represents a final opportunity to cement his legacy. The 57-year-old has already delivered a World Cup triumph in 2018, reached the final in 2022, guided France to the Euro 2016 final, and reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
A third world title would place him alongside the true giants of international management – and his players appear determined to deliver the perfect farewell.
“France are in a great place,” added Keane. “You have your attacking players scoring goals and your individual players going past people.”
🚨Rio Ferdinand on France’s dominant display :
“France were simply incredible tonight. They controlled the game from start to finish and deserved every bit of that 2-0 win. But let’s be honest, Morocco didn’t come to play football, they came to survive. Sitting deep for 90… pic.twitter.com/P38awofsN3
— Lisco (@fcb_lisco) July 9, 2026
The road ahead
With other quarter-finals still to be played – including Spain’s clash with Belgium on Friday – France can now observe from the comfort of semi-final qualification. Their last-four meeting in Dallas on Tuesday promises to be a blockbuster, with Spain or Belgium standing between them and a shot at history.
Former England striker Ian Wright, who described Deschamps’ side as “one of the most clear favourites for a World Cup tournament I have ever seen,” believes the only obstacle may be internal.
“It is difficult to see the weakness,” Wright admitted.
Yet Nevin sounded a note of caution that will resonate with French fans who remember past disappointments.
“We have seen one or two weaknesses, glimmers, no more than that,” he said. “Sometimes when they have cruised to a win they do take their eye off the ball.
“In reality, perhaps the only team that can stop them is themselves by not playing at their best.”
France into the World Cup semi-finals after a 2-0 win over Morocco. Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele with the second-half goals.
20 goals in 20 World Cup games for Mbappe.
Dembele has five goals and two assists at the tournament.
Yassine Bounou saved a first-half Mbappe… pic.twitter.com/xb0f40kAFQ
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 9, 2026
France’s route to the semi-finals:
- Group stage: Senegal (3-1), Iraq (2-0), Norway (4-1)
- Round of 16: Sweden (2-0)
- Quarter-final: Paraguay (2-0), Morocco (2-0)
Golden Boot race:
- Kylian Mbappe (France) – 8 goals (3 assists)
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 8 goals (1 assist)
- Ousmane Dembele (France) – 5 goals
