France advanced to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the first nation through after a commanding 2-0 victory over Morocco in Boston on Thursday, reinforcing their status as overwhelming favourites to claim a third world title.

Two goals in a six-minute spell midway through the second half settled the quarter-final. Kylian Mbappe struck first — redemption after a first-half penalty was saved — before Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembele doubled the advantage. France had 22 attempts across the 90 minutes; Morocco managed just five, with their only shot on target arriving in the 83rd minute.

Historic numbers from an all-time great squad

The result pushed France's tournament tally to 16 goals — more than any other side at this stage — while conceding just twice in six matches. Mbappe's eighth goal of the competition drew him level with Argentina's Lionel Messi at the top of the scoring charts, though Mbappe currently leads the Golden Boot race by virtue of more assists.

Dembele now has five goals at the tournament, making France only the second team in 50 years to have two players reach that mark at the same World Cup. The last side to do it was Brazil in 2002, when Ronaldo finished with eight and Rivaldo with five.