Kylian Mbappé redeemed an early penalty miss with a stunning opener to send France into the World Cup semi-finals, where they will face Spain after Mikel Merino’s late winner eliminated Belgium. The Arsenal midfielder’s goal at the death secured a 2-1 victory for the European champions, setting up a mouth-watering clash with the tournament favourites.
For much of France’s quarter-final against Morocco, a breakthrough seemed only a matter of time. Mbappé, released by Michael Olise after Achraf Hakimi had been dispossessed by Desiré Doué, was tripped in the box by Noussair Mazraoui, earning a penalty. But a lengthy VAR check – three minutes and 10 seconds – preceded a weak spot-kick that Yassine Bounou saved easily. It was the first penalty Bounou had saved for Morocco outside of shootouts.
“France to face Spain in World Cup semi-finals after Mbappé's stunner beats Morocco and Merino's late goal sinks Belgium.”
France continued to press. Bounou pushed away a Dayot Upamecano header and kept out a Doué effort, while Lucas Digne smacked a drive against the bar. By the time Morocco had their first effort – a free kick slashed wide in first-half injury time – France had created 13 chances.
Then Mbappé struck. With the game drifting and Morocco threatening an improbable rearguard, he produced a goal from nowhere. France’s relentlessness paid off again when he teed up Ousmane Dembélé for the second. Mbappé went off with 13 minutes remaining to a deserved ovation, having scored his eighth goal of the tournament.
“There is a relentlessness to this France that might make them irresistible,” wrote Jonathan Wilson at Boston Stadium. He added that if France sustain this form, “it is going to take something remarkable to prevent them winning their third World Cup in 28 years.”
Spain, meanwhile, edged past Belgium 2-1 thanks to Merino’s late intervention. The Arsenal star’s goal booked a semi-final meeting with France, a rematch of their 2024 European Championship quarter-final.