France booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals with a commanding 2-0 victory over Morocco on Thursday, avenging no little history in the process — the same scoreline that eliminated the Atlas Lions at the same stage of the 2022 World Cup.

Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele in the second half proved the difference between the two sides, with France dominant throughout the encounter in possession, attempts on goal, and shots on target.

Mbappe's redemption after penalty miss

The opener had threatened to elude France earlier in the match. Mbappe stepped up from the penalty spot in the 28th minute but was denied by Yassine Bounou, who produced a sharp save to keep the scores level at the break.

Mbappe made no mistake the second time around. In the 60th minute, he curled a precise effort beyond Bounou's reach to give France the lead they had long deserved.

The goal also brought Mbappe level with Argentina captain Lionel Messi on eight goals for the tournament — a remarkable milestone for the France captain in what has been a prolific campaign.

Dembele seals it in the 66th minute

Six minutes after Mbappe's opener, Dembele put the result beyond doubt. The winger drove forward at pace, cutting into the opposition's half before firing a low strike into the bottom corner to double France's advantage.

France were comfortable for the remainder of the match, protecting their lead without difficulty and maintaining control against a Morocco side who never found the fluency to threaten Mbappe and his teammates.

Spain or Belgium await in the semis

France now await the winner of Friday's quarterfinal clash between Spain and Belgium, with the semifinal spot in sight for one of those European rivals.