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Friday, July 10, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 – First Quarterfinal Review: France 2–0 Morocco

France became the first team to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals with a composed 2–0 victory over Morocco in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Kylian Mbappé once again proved decisive, overcoming an earlier missed penalty to inspire the defending champions.

Match Summary

Result: France 2–0 Morocco
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Goals:
- ⚽ 60' – Kylian Mbappé
- ⚽ 66' – Ousmane Dembélé

Key Moments

Morocco frustrated France during the first half with disciplined defending.
Mbappé's first-half penalty was delayed by a lengthy VAR review and was ultimately saved, but he responded brilliantly after the break.

Tactical Analysis

France: Controlled possession, pressed aggressively, and relied on the pace and creativity of Mbappé and Dembélé to stretch Morocco's defense.
Morocco: Stayed compact for much of the match and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made several important saves, but the team struggled to create clear scoring chances.

Player of the Match

Kylian Mbappé

1 goal
1 assist
Constant attacking threat despite the earlier penalty setback.

Overall Verdict

France delivered another polished tournament performance. Morocco defended bravely but could not contain France's attacking quality once the breakthrough arrived. With Mbappé in outstanding form, France strengthened its credentials as one of the favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World

In the 60th minute, Mbappé produced a superb solo effort to break the deadlock.

Just six minutes later, he helped create the second goal, finished by Dembélé, effectively sealing France's place in the semifinals.

Thursday, July 9, 2026

what to expect in the world cup 2026 as it enters the last leg

The quarter-finals begin with just eight teams left, and every match has a compelling storyline. This stage often decides the true title favorites.

🇫🇷 France vs 🇲🇦 Morocco (9 July)

What to expect

A rematch of the memorable 2022 World Cup semi-final.
France will look to dominate possession and rely on the pace and finishing of Kylian Mbappé.
Morocco will defend compactly and try to hit France on the counterattack through Achraf Hakimi and quick transitions.
This could be a tight, low-scoring contest.

Key battle: Mbappé vs Hakimi

Prediction: France 2–1 Morocco (after a close game)

🇪🇸 Spain vs 🇧🇪 Belgium (10 July)

What to expect

Spain have been one of the tournament's strongest defensive teams.
Belgium have rediscovered their attacking form and scored four goals in the Round of 16.
Spain's patient passing game will be tested by Belgium's physicality and quick breaks.

Key battle: Rodri vs Kevin De Bruyne

Prediction: Spain 1–0 Belgium

🏴 England vs 🇳🇴 Norway (11 July)

What to expect

England's experience meets Norway's fearless attack.
Erling Haaland has been in outstanding form, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham lead England.
Expect an open game with plenty of chances.

Key battle: Haaland vs England's defence

Prediction: England 2–1 Norway (possibly after extra time)

🇦🇷 Argentina vs 🇨🇭 Switzerland (11 July)

What to expect

Argentina remain one of the favourites with Lionel Messi leading the tournament in goals.
Switzerland are organised, disciplined, and difficult to break down.
Argentina are likely to control possession, while Switzerland will look for opportunities from set pieces and counterattacks.

Key battle: Messi vs Granit Xhaka

Prediction: Argentina 2–0 Switzerland

⭐ Players to Watch

🇦🇷 Lionel Messi
🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappé
🇳🇴 Erling Haaland
🏴 Harry Kane
🇪🇸 Lamine Yamal
🇧🇪 Kevin De Bruyne
🇲🇦 Achraf Hakimi

My predicted semi-finals

🇫🇷 France vs 🇪🇸 Spain
🏴 England vs 🇦🇷 Argentina

If these predictions come true, the semi-finals would feature four of the world's biggest football powers, setting up the possibility of an Argentina vs France or Argentina vs Spain final.

WITH PICTURES