France ease past Morocco to reach the semi-finals in a 2022 rematch

France booked their place in the semi-finals with a controlled 2-0 win over Morocco at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele settling a repeat of the 2022 semi-final. Just as they did in Qatar, Les Bleus denied Morocco by the same 2-0 scoreline, ending the Atlas Lions' bid for revenge and their historic run in the tournament. France remain unbeaten and, in the eyes of many analysts, the favourites to lift the trophy.

Match summary: Mbappe and Dembele see France home

France were the more incisive side throughout and took the lead through Mbappe, the captain finishing clinically to move level with Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot race. Morocco responded with the courage that has defined their tournament, pressing for a way back into the tie, but France's defence held firm and their midfield controlled the tempo. Dembele added the second to kill the contest, capping a polished attacking display. Morocco pushed until the final whistle but could not find the breakthrough their effort deserved, and France saw the game out with the composure of a side that has been here many times before.

Golden Boot race and a familiar last-four stage

Mbappe's goal was the story within the story: he is now tied with Messi at the summit of the scoring charts, the two greats trading blows for the tournament's individual prize. For France, this is another appearance among the last four in recent tournaments, underlining their status as the modern era's most consistent force. For Morocco, defeat ends a remarkable campaign — the first African nation to reach back-to-back World Cup quarter-finals — and though they leave without the win they craved against the side that knocked them out in 2022, their progress marks another milestone for African football.

What's next: a blockbuster with Spain

France advance to a semi-final against Spain on July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, a meeting of two unbeaten heavyweights and, for many, the tie of the tournament. All four of our AI models called this one correctly — a perfect night for the panel, led by the DeepSeek double chance. Morocco go home to a hero's welcome, their status as a genuine force on the world stage confirmed once more.