The 2026 FIFA World Cup is reaching its climax, and defending champions France are firmly on course to retain their crown after a commanding 2-0 victory over Morocco in the quarterfinals at Boston Stadium on Thursday night.
Mbappe Overcomes Penalty Miss to Shine
Kylian Mbappe was the story of the match — for both the wrong and right reasons. The France captain won a penalty in the 25th minute after a lunging challenge from Noussair Mazraoui, but his tame spot-kick was saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. It was a rare moment of fallibility from a player who has been in sensational form throughout the tournament.
However, Mbappe responded in emphatic fashion after the break. In the 60th minute, he found the far corner with a precise finish to break the deadlock, making amends for his earlier miss in the most decisive way possible.
Just six minutes later, Mbappe turned provider, setting up Ousmane Dembele whose shot crept beyond Bounou to double France’s lead. The game was effectively over as a contest, with Morocco offering little in attack without the injured Ismael Saibari.
France’s Third Consecutive Semifinal
Didier Deschamps’ side have now reached a third consecutive World Cup semifinal — a remarkable feat that underlines their status as one of the great international teams of the modern era. Mbappe’s goal tally now stands at eight for the tournament, putting him firmly in contention for the Golden Boot.
France will face the winner of the Spain vs Belgium quarterfinal, which takes place on Friday July 10 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Both European giants possess formidable talent, but France’s blend of experience and firepower makes them a daunting opponent for any team.
Quarterfinal Round-Up: The Full Picture
The quarterfinal lineup has provided extraordinary drama across the board. Switzerland stunned Colombia on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw, setting up a clash with Argentina in the last eight. Lionel Messi and Argentina face Switzerland on Sunday in what promises to be a fascinating encounter.
Perhaps the most anticipated match of the round comes on Saturday, when England face Norway. Erling Haaland’s Norway have been the surprise package of the tournament, overcoming Brazil in a sensational Round of 16 result. Haaland, who has scored seven goals in five appearances, has warned the English media to put every single pressure on the English lads ahead of the clash. The Manchester City striker knows his Premier League opponents well, making this a must-watch fixture.
The Road to the Final
The World Cup final will take place on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with a capacity of 82,500. As the tournament enters its decisive phase, the remaining eight teams are battling for a place in footballing immortality.
France’s performance against Morocco showed all the hallmarks of champions — resilience after a setback, quality in key moments, and defensive solidity when needed. Lucas Digne struck the crossbar with a swerving first-half shot, while Desire Doue and Dayot Upamecano both had opportunities that suggested the scoreline could have been even more emphatic.
Betting Insights for the Semi-Finals
For those following the World Cup action at MK Sports, France’s progression has significant implications for outright winner markets. The defending champions are now among the favorites to lift the trophy for a second successive time, a feat not achieved since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
The quarterfinal matchups offer exceptional betting opportunities across all markets, from match winners and correct score predictions to top goalscorer and player of the tournament specials. With Haaland’s Norway looking dangerous, Messi’s Argentina battling through, and dark horses like Switzerland proving their mettle, the 2026 World Cup is delivering edge-of-your-seat entertainment.
Stay ahead of the action with MK Sports — your premier destination for the latest World Cup odds, expert analysis, and exclusive promotions. Whether you back France to retain their crown or fancy an outsider, MK Sports has you covered with competitive odds across all markets.