As it happened: France v Morocco quarter-final — Dembélé, Mbappé deliver France a 2-0 victory

France has doubled their lead, with a goal from Dembélé!

Dembélé runs into the edge of the penalty area and slots it into the bottom right corner.

It looks like Bounou got a hand to it but he couldn't stop it.

2-0, France's way.

— Miles Proust

Diop is booked after a challenge on Mbappé.

— Miles Proust

Mbappé scores with a strike just inside the box! He curls it into the top right corner.

That's Mbappé's 20th World Cup goal, and eighth of this tournament.

He's now tied with Lionel Messi on the Golden Boot ladder.

France leads 1-0.

— Miles Proust

Olise makes a break through the middle, passing off to Mbappe as Morocco's defenders close in.

Mbappe puts it over, but the replay shows he was offside, so it wouldn't have counted anyway.

— Miles Proust

Doué has a go from the edge of the box. It's a good strike, but it lands right on the chest of Bounou.

— Miles Proust

Morocco wins a corner, with Hakimi playing it short.

It's passed back and forth, with the eventual cross cleared easily.

But Morocco is looking better in the opening minutes of the second half.

— Miles Proust

A nice play from Morocco, breaking on the counter after France coughs up possession deep in Morocco's half.

It's crossed in, but France has numbers behind the ball, and it's headed out of danger.

— Miles Proust

The second half is underway, with France launching the ball forward.

— Miles Proust

After a lengthy VAR check, Mbappé's low, stutter kick was easily saved by Morocco's goalkeeper, Yassine 'Bono' Bounou.

This is the French striker's second-ever missed penalty in normal play across his entire international career with France.

— Jack Revell

It's been a dominant opening half by Les Bleus, despite the scoreline.

France have had 13 shots, with three on target, to Morocco's one.

France's best moments have come from transition plays.

— Miles Proust

Big chance for Morocco after a handball just outside the box when Diaz's strike clips Rabiot's right hand.

Hakimi takes the shot, but it's miles wide. A wasted opportunity for Morocco.

The half-time whistle has blown, with the score 0-0.

— Miles Proust

Digne goes for a long-range strike, just tipping the cross-bar!

The ball was swerving all over the place.

— Miles Proust

Absolute scenes in Agadir as Moroccan fans turn out in their thousands for this historic match up.

— Jack Revell

Five minutes of stoppage time have been added as we approach half-time.

— Miles Proust

Morocco enjoys a spell of possession, soaking up pressure as France struggles to break through.

— Miles Proust

Another chance for France after a turnover by Morocco.

Doué made the tackle, carrying into the box and taking the shot.

Bounou makes a great save and it's out for a corner.

— Miles Proust

The two sides meet at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusettes — officially designated as Boston Stadium by FIFA for the tournament.

The stadium has an official FIFA World Cup capacity of 65,878 and is located roughly 50kms southwest of the state capital, Boston.

It is the standard home of the NFL's New England Patriots.

Players and match officials line up before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium on July 09, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Source: Getty / Alex Slitz

— Jack Revell

Play resumes and Dembele has a shot from outside the box, but it's wide and out for a goal kick.

— Miles Proust

And the hydration break is called with the score 0-0.

— Miles Proust

Mbappé slots it right, but it's a weak strike and an easy save for Bounou, who dives on the ball!

It took a long time for the penalty to be taken, as VAR checked the foul.

— Miles Proust