Captain Kylian Mbappe scored his eighth goal of the tournament to inspire France to a comprehensive 2-0 World Cup quarter-final win over Morocco and set up a last-four clash with Spain or Belgium.
Mbappe won a first-half penalty but saw his limp spot-kick saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou before making amends with a lovely curled effort from just inside the box on the hour mark.
That means he is now level with Lionel Messi in the goalscoring charts at this World Cup and trails the Argentine by one goal on the tournament's all-time list.
Ousmane Dembele doubled the French advantage on 66 minutes to put the game beyond doubt and Les Bleus are now just one win away from a third straight World Cup final.
Relive all the action from from France vs Morocco with our live blog below:
France vs Morocco LIVE
- France beat Morocco 2-0 in World Cup quarter-final with Mbappe and Dembele scoring
- Les Bleus will face either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals
- Mbappe subbed off with a slight injury on 75 minutes to give France cause for concern
- 66' GOAL! Dembele fires in from distance as Bono fails to keep it out [FRA 2-0 MAR]
- 60' GOAL! Mbappe makes amends by stunningly curling home from 20 yards [FRA 1-0 MAR]
- 28' MISSED PENALTY! Bono saves weak Mbappe penalty [FRA 0-0 MAR]
Mbappe lays down latest challenge to Messi as France continue march towards history
23:43 , Richard Jolly
Even when Kylian Mbappe looked fallible, he then appeared fantastic. Mbappe has been emulating Lionel Messi over the last month and when he did so in unwanted fashion, showing that the greats are not immune to missed penalties, he provided the kind of response the legendary Argentine had against first Austria and then Egypt. He scored.
And so the Moroccan resistance was broken by a moment of magnificence. Beaten 2-0 by France in the 2022 semi-finals, they suffered the same scoreline in a rematch as Mbappe pilots France towards a third successive final. He followed his goal with a third assist of the tournament, enabling Ousmane Dembele to seal a deserved victory.
Mbappe walked off, arm aloft to acknowledge the applause, and ended with an ice pack on his right foot. When he celebrated after the final whistle, it seemed a precautionary change, rather than a reason to suspect he is a doubt for the Bastille Day semi-final against Spain or Belgium.
Mbappe lays down latest challenge to Messi as France continue march towards history
World Cup 2026: Quarter-final fixtures, results and full tournament bracket
01:00 , Chris Wilson
The quarter-finals for the 2026 World Cup are in the process of being set - with England having booked their spot.
A 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico on Sunday night set up a mouthwatering clash between Norway and the Three Lions in Miami at 10pm BST on Saturday. Also set is France’s meeting with Morocco on Thursday at 9pm in Boston.
There are 104 matches in North America this summer, up by 40 since the Qatar World Cup in 2022, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo likely to play on this stage for the last time in their glittering careers.
World Cup 2026: Quarter-final fixtures, results and full tournament bracket
Jarell Quansah banned for two World Cup matches by Fifa after red card against Mexico
00:50 , Chris Wilson
Jarell Quansah has been banned for two games by Fifa for his red card in England’s last-16 win over Mexico.
Quansah was sent off after VAR review following a reckless sliding challenge which saw his studs go into the shin of Jesus Gallardo.
England were considering appealing the decision after Fifa suspended USA striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban, something that was lobbied for by US president Donald Trump in a hugely controversial move.
Jarell Quansah banned for two World Cup matches by Fifa after red card against Mexico
Is Kylian Mbappe injured? France captain taken off after stunning goal against Morocco
00:40 , Chris Wilson
Kylian Mbappe was substituted as a precaution in France’s 2-0 World Cup quarter-final win over Morocco on Thursday.
France captain Mbappe, who is now level with Lionel Messi in the golden boot race with eight goals, scored a stunning opening goal in the second-half having missed a first-half penalty in Boston.
Yet shortly afterwards, Morocco defender Issa Diop sliced through the France forward, receiving a yellow card as Mbappe reacted in pain.
Is Kylian Mbappe injured? France captain taken off against Morocco
I’ve covered Fifa for years – ask me anything on Infantino and this World Cup’s crisis of trust
00:30 , Chris Wilson
Welcome to an exclusive Ask Me Anything session with me, Miguel Delaney, chief football writer at The Independent.
To see my questions and answers, scroll down – and don't forget to press "load more" to catch the full Q&A.
This World Cup has produced some of the most dramatic football in years, from Messi’s tearful embrace with Lionel Scaloni after Argentina’s last-16 comeback against Egypt, to England’s rollercoaster win over Mexico. But alongside the drama on the pitch, a much bigger story has been building around Fifa itself.
The fallout from the Donald Trump interference row involving Folarin Balogun has left Fifa facing serious questions over sporting integrity, with Egypt coach Hossam Hassan among those openly accusing the tournament of being influenced by factors off the pitch.
Gianni Infantino has faced calls to resign, and the suspicion now hanging over marginal refereeing decisions – however unfounded – is a problem of Fifa’s own making.
I’ve covered Fifa for years – ask me anything on Infantino’s crisis
How a box-office World Cup descended into fury and farce to leave Fifa with a huge problem
00:20 , Chris Wilson
As Lionel Messi was lifted into the air, and the Egyptian players sank to the ground, it was a scene beyond most cinema.
Or, as they say here, prime-time TV. This was box office. Any director would have loved all of this, right up to the unique soundtrack of the Argentina fans.
How a box-office World Cup descended into fury and farce
World Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Messi, Mbappe, Haaland and Kane in thrilling race to finish top scorer
00:10 , Chris Wilson
The race for the golden boot at the World Cup is on, and it is shaping into a thrilling race featuring some of the best players in the world.
The stars continue to dominate at this tournament, none more so than Kylian Mbappe. He got up and running with a brace against Senegal before notching another against Iraq, and a third double against Sweden in the round of 32. He then added another in the last 16, scoring a crucial goal from the spot against Paraguay, and scored again in the quarter-finals against Morocco after earlier missing a penalty. His two assists could prove crucial if he were to finish level pegging with his rivals.
Lionel Messi’s opening hat-trick against Algeria was followed by a double against Austria – a game in which he highlighted one of his greatest traits, resilience, after a penalty miss, to break the all-time World Cup scoring record. Another goal arrived off the bench against Jordan, before he inevitably scored in both their slender knockout-stage wins over Cape Verde and Egypt to take his tally for the tournament to eight.
World Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Messi, Mbappe, Haaland and Kane in thrilling race
'Great players dictate'
00:00 , Chris Wilson
“The first goal. That is what we expect from him [Kylian Mbappe]. A lovely finish, but that is what he does. All the top players have turned up - they have brought their A game,” says Roy Keane on ITV.
“You could have 25 around him, but the great players decide what they're going to do with the ball. What these great players do is they dictate.
“When they do get too close, he'll do a trick and the type of goals he is getting this tournament - players are frightened to death,” he added.
When do yellow cards reset at the World Cup? All the England players on bookings before Norway game
23:54 , Chris Wilson
England are in a precarious position when it comes to discipline at the World Cup, with certain players in danger of missing the semi-finals if the Three Lions get past Norway in the last eight.
On Sunday – or the early hours of Monday morning, for viewers in England – Thomas Tuchel’s side emerged as 3-2 winners over Mexico in Mexico City, surviving a rollercoaster game in which Jude Bellingham netted twice and Harry Kane scored from the spot.
But another key moment saw England right-back Jarell Quansah given a straight red card for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo, while four teammates were booked: defenders Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly, and midfielders Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson.
When do yellow cards reset at the World Cup? All the England players on bookings
France 'the most dangerous attacking team' at World Cup
23:49 , Chris Wilson
“France are the best, the most skillful, the most dangerous attacking team in the tournament, which is saying something considering the standard of strikers out there, but they have more than one. They have two, three, four that are capable,” says former Scotland international Pat Nevin on 5 Live.
“We have seen one or two weaknesses, glimmers, no more than that. Sometimes, when they have cruised to a win, they do take their eye off the ball. In reality, perhaps the only team that can stop them is themselves by not playing at their best,” he added.
Match stats
23:46 , Chris Wilson
Kylian Mbappe has now registered 10+ goal involvements in both of the last two World Cups.
He has 8 goals and 2 assists in 2022 and 8 goals and 3 assists in 2026), making him the only player on record (since 1966) to achieve this in two different tournaments.
His 11 combined in 2026 are the most by a single player since Gerd Muller in 1970 (10 goals, 3 assists).
World Cup power rankings
23:41 , Chris Wilson
1. France 🇫🇷 ↔️
France are the team to beat at this World Cup. While their closest challengers on the other side of the bracket have, so far, been carried by one exceptional superstar, Didier Deschamps has put together a so far untouchable unit powered by its unleashed attacking ranks. They hit 10 goals in the group stage before adding three more to no reply against Sweden to progress to the last 16 - and while their 1-0 win over Paraguay last time out wasn’t as emphatic as previous results, some leeway can be given due to the - let’s be honest - shameful tactics of the South American side. Kylian Mbappe’s penalty winner took his all-time World Cup tally to 19 goals - sorry Mirsolav Klose, your record has been blown out of the water twice this tournament.
'Difficult to see weakness in France'
23:37 , Chris Wilson
“It is very difficult to see the weakness [in France],” says Ian Wright on TV.
“If Spain get through they have the quality to maybe pass through them and maybe the pace of Lamine Yamal to try and punish them, but they look imperious. Then you have got individual brilliance.”
France player ratings
23:33 , Chris Wilson
Adrien Rabiot, 7: Comfortable keeping France ticking in midfield and defensively key, making three interceptions.
Manu Kone, 6: Made some strong challenges to prevent Morocco offering anything on the break.
Desire Doue, 6: Bright and sharp on the ball but lacked end product. Couldn’t convert his opportunity when driving to the edge of the box in the first half.
France player ratings
23:29 , Chris Wilson
Kylian Mbappe, 7: Missed a penalty but made up for it with a beautiful finish, finding the inside of the post with power and precision to break the deadlock.
Ousmane Dembele, 8: Some smart passes and took his chance when it came in the second half, albeit with some help from Bounou.
Michael Olise, 7: One or two electric moments including a clever piece of footwork to set Mbappe through on goal during the second half.
'France have got more gears'
23:25 , Chris Wilson
“France have got more gears to go,” says Roy Keane on ITV.
“Morocco were playing on fumes and France were so much better in every aspect of the game, but it doesn't mean that they cannot be beaten.
“France are in a great place. You have your attacking players scoring goals and your individual players going past people.
“Any chance of beating France you have got to score the first goal. Even if they get the first goal, teams have to try come at them, and they will pick you off for fun,” he added.
'It is unbelievable'
23:22 , Chris Wilson
“It is unbelievable. We're talking about a generation of players and when you look at the squad and the attacking players. That is maybe one of the best ever generations on that side, because you have so many players - it is so unbelievable,” says Patrick Vieira on ITV.
France v Morocco player ratings: Ousmane Dembele stars in dominant World Cup quarter-final victory
23:18 , Chris Wilson
France are through to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup after easing past Morocco 2-0 in Boston.
Kylian Mbappe saw his first-half penalty saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, but made amends with a wonderful finish to break the deadlock – and retake the lead in the Golden Boot race.
Ousmane Dembele then burst through the centre before curling a low finish through Bounou’s hands and into the bottom corner, to wrap up victory.
Here is how the players rated.
France v Morocco player ratings: Ousmane Dembele stars in dominant quarter-final win
France celebrate win
23:14 , Chris Wilson
Is Kylian Mbappe injured? France captain taken off after stunning goal against Morocco
23:11 , Chris Wilson
Kylian Mbappe was substituted as a precaution in France’s 2-0 World Cup quarter-final win over Morocco on Thursday.
France captain Mbappe, who is now level with Lionel Messi in the golden boot race with eight goals, scored a stunning opening goal in the second-half having missed a first-half penalty in Boston.
Yet shortly afterwards, Morocco defender Issa Diop sliced through the France forward, receiving a yellow card as Mbappe reacted in pain.
Is Kylian Mbappe injured? France captain taken off against Morocco
FULL-TIME! France 2-0 Morocco
23:08 , Chris Wilson
France never really had to get out of second gear, though two moments of real quality mean that they’re going through to the semi-finals after a fairly easy game in Boston.
Morocco never really got going themselves, and they were poor for large stretches of that game.
In the end, France deserved to go through and it’s a third successive World Cup semi-final for Les Blues.
Next up
23:05 , Chris Wilson
France will now face either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals, with that game taking place on Tuesday, 14 July at the Dallas Stadium.
FULL-TIME! France 2-0 Morocco
23:03 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! France 2-0 Morocco
23:01 , Chris Wilson
The referee blows the final whistle and France move into the World Cup semi-finals!
Les Bleus earn a fairly straightforward 2-0 win in Boston in the end against a Morocco side that never really turned up.
France 2-0 Morocco
23:00 , Chris Wilson
90 +5 mins
Olise is fouled and France are just making sure the clock ticks down now.
A semi-final tie beckons.
France 2-0 Morocco
22:59 , Chris Wilson
90 +4 mins
SAVE! A great chance for Mateta here as he receives the ball in a central area before chopping it past his man to go clean through.
He’s 1-v-1 with Bono but he can only hit a tame effort that the ‘keeper just about manages to get enough contact to!
France 2-0 Morocco
22:56 , Chris Wilson
90 +2 mins
Morocco win a corner as Digne clears a cross behind.
Rabiot heads it away, before Saliba manages to clear the follow-up cross.
France 2-0 Morocco
22:54 , Chris Wilson
90 mins
Into the first of six minutes of added time in Boston.
Morocco fought well at times but they’ve been undone by the superior quality of their opponents tonight. Two moments of class decided it, in truth.
France 2-0 Morocco
22:52 , Chris Wilson
88 mins
And a chance for Barcola now as he leads the counter!
He’s a little isolated on the wing so he decides to go himself, and he nearly catches out Bono at his near post, but the ‘keeper is equal to it.
Mateta heads over from the corner.
France 2-0 Morocco
22:50 , Chris Wilson
86 mins
A slick France counter-attack ends at the feet of Olise in the box, but his attempted curled effort flies wide of the far post.
France 2-0 Morocco
22:49 , Chris Wilson
84 mins
The corner comes in and Talbi heads it towards goal at the near post, but his header can only find the side-netting!
France 2-0 Morocco
22:48 , Chris Wilson
83 mins
Morocco have a couple of openings in attack but neither of them come to anything.
They also win a free-kick but it’s headed away.
Moments later, they win another set-piece which Hakimi lays short before the long-range effort from Yassine is beaten away by Maignan.
France 2-0 Morocco
22:45 , Chris Wilson
80 mins
Another chance for France but Barcola’s cross comes across the face of goal before going out.
Moments later, Mateta sees an effort blocked.
France 2-0 Morocco
22:43 , Chris Wilson
79 mins
Olise leads a France counter as he works it wide, but the cross to Mateta is cleared at the last.
France 2-0 Morocco
22:41 , Chris Wilson
77 mins
He looks okay, but this will be a worry for France as Mbappe is down in the centre circle.
He’s okay to walk off though, and he’s replaced by Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Doue also makes way, and he’s off for Bradley Barcola.
France 2-0 Morocco
22:38 , Chris Wilson
75 mins
Changes for Morocco as Diaz and Salah Eddine come off for Yassine and El Ouahdi.
France 2-0 Morocco
22:37 , Chris Wilson
72 mins
Is there time for Morocco to save this? Nothing they’ve done so far suggests so.
Maybe a slice of luck could do it? It almost does, as Upamecano’s scuffed clearance ends up looping over Maignan and onto the roof of the net!
France 2-0 Morocco
22:35 , Chris Wilson
70 mins
Back underway in Boston as France bring off Kone for Warren Zaire-Emery.
France 2-0 Morocco
22:33 , Chris Wilson
67 mins
Into the second hydration break now!
GOAL! France 2-0 Morocco (Dembele, 66')
22:32 , Chris Wilson
66 mins
GOAL! That should be that!
France have a second courtesy of Ousmane Dembele.
Les Bleues win the ball near halfway and it’s quickly swept up the field, with Dembele receiving it after just two passes.
He’s in a good central position near the area and he drives intot he space before side-footing a low effort that catches Bono off-guard. The ‘keeper gets a hand to it but it only serves to push the ball further into the corner!
France 1-0 Morocco: Mbappe gives France the lead
22:31 , Chris Wilson
France 1-0 Morocco
22:29 , Chris Wilson
63 mins
Morocco made two changes in response to that goal, with Bouaddi and El Khannouss coming off for Sofyan Ambrabat and Soufiane Rahimi.
France 1-0 Morocco
22:28 , Chris Wilson
62 mins
A booking for Diop now as he scythes down Mbappe near halfway. Maybe that’s the only way to stop him.
GOAL! France 1-0 Morocco (Mbappe, 60')
22:27 , Chris Wilson
60 mins
GOAL! What a finish this is from none other than Kylian Mbappe!
France win it high and it’s slipped through to the forward on the edge of the box.
There are bodies in his way and he shifts and shimmies as he tries to find the space.
He’s basically standing still but he fools the defender and wraps his foot around it to curl it into the far corner, giving Bono no chance!
France 0-0 Morocco
22:24 , Chris Wilson
58 mins
Morocco were originally playing better than they had earlier as this half began, but now they’ve reverted to the pattern of the first half.
France are dominating and the Atlas Lions will be settling for anything they can do on the counter.
France 0-0 Morocco
22:21 , Chris Wilson
55 mins
CLOSE! How hasn’t he scored?
Mbappe is left red-faced here. Olise skips past a couple of men to open up the space and he slides it into the path of his teammate only for Mbappe to fire wide when trying to wrap his foot around it!
Replays show he might have been offside anyway.
France 0-0 Morocco
22:19 , Chris Wilson
53 mins
Kone does well to cut out a Morocco pass and start a counter, which ends when Doue rifles a powerful effort too close to Bono.
France 0-0 Morocco
22:16 , Chris Wilson
50 mins
Both sides are just trying to find their rhythm once again as we get started in the second half. Morocco have started much more brightly than they ended the first half.
France 0-0 Morocco
22:12 , Chris Wilson
47 mins
A rare attack for Morocco ends with Kone heading away a cross before Diaz sees a shot blocked.
Hopefully more of the same to come from the Atlas Lions!
KICK-OFF! France 0-0 Morocco
22:09 , Chris Wilson
We’re back in action in Boston! No changes for either side here.
HALF-TIME! France 0-0 Morocco
22:05 , Chris Wilson
We’ll be back underway soon in Boston.
Will we see more of the same, or will Morocco come out fighting? We’ll find out soon.
HALF-TIME! France 0-0 Morocco
22:02 , Chris Wilson
Not a classic by any means in Boston, but it’s been interesting in its own right.
France should probably be ahead after Mbappe missed a penalty, but while they were in control for large portions of the half, clear-cut chances were few and far between.
As for Morocco, they’ve only had one shot but they’re still very much in this game!
HALF-TIME! France 0-0 Morocco
21:57 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! France 0-0 Morocco
21:52 , Chris Wilson
That shot is the last action of the half and the referee blows the whistle for half-time.
All level at the break in an intriguing World Cup quarter-final tie in Boston!
France 0-0 Morocco
21:51 , Chris Wilson
45 +5 mins
Hakimi tries to catch out Maignan by sneaking the ball in at the near post, but it’s a poor effort.
Morocco have a shot, at least.
France 0-0 Morocco
21:50 , Chris Wilson
45 +4 mins
Morocco win a dangerous free-kick as Rabiot’s hand is dangling out and blocks Diaz’s cross.
Hakimi will clip it in from around 20 yards out on the right.
France 0-0 Morocco
21:49 , Chris Wilson
45 +3 mins
France want a penalty but it’s 50/50.
Doue stands it up when 1-v-1 with Hakimi and both have a handful of the other’s shirt as they go down in the area.
France 0-0 Morocco
21:48 , Chris Wilson
45 +2 mins
OFF THE BAR!
Both Olise and Kone have shots blocked as France continue to probe.
Digne takes matters into his own hands and rifles a lovely dipping effort that cannons back off the crossbar!
France 0-0 Morocco
21:47 , Chris Wilson
45 mins
Mbappe is almost sent clean through but Bono is off his line well to clear.
We’ll have five minutes of added time here after the VAR check for the penalty.
France 0-0 Morocco
21:45 , Chris Wilson
43 mins
Another France attack breaks down and the camera pans to Didier Deschamps looking fairly relaxed. He’s been here before.
He’ll be fairly happy with how his team have played, especially considering it can click at any moment.
France 0-0 Morocco
21:42 , Chris Wilson
40 mins
A rare attack for Morocco, but it fails to yield a shot. Still none from the Atlas Lions.
The underdogs have just managed to make it a scrappy contest though, which will delight their manager.
France 0-0 Morocco
21:39 , Chris Wilson
38 mins
Plenty of bodies in the Morocco box and once again they crowd out Dembele and co. That tactic is working so far!
France 0-0 Morocco
21:37 , Chris Wilson
35 mins
SAVE! A great stop by Bono!
France come again and doue is driving through the middle. He has options on both sides but he eventually opts to shoot.
He fizzes in a low effort and while it’s close to Bono, you have to say the ‘keeper does brilliantly there to tip it away!
France 0-0 Morocco
21:33 , Chris Wilson
32 mins
Bakc underway as Dembele cuts in and curls an effort wide of the far post.
France 0-0 Morocco
21:30 , Chris Wilson
29 mins
Into the first hydration break of the game!
PENALTY SAVED! France 0-0 Morocco
21:29 , Chris Wilson
28 mins
It’s saved! Bono guesses the right way and it’s a timid penalty, and the Morocco’s keeper simply smothers it!
PENALTY TO FRANCE! France 0-0 Morocco
21:27 , Chris Wilson
25 mins
PENALTY TO FRANCE! Mbappe proves the difference again!
France counter and the striker is sent through in the box. He lures Mazraoui in and takesthe touch away, and the defender slides in and drags him down.
France 0-0 Morocco
21:26 , Chris Wilson
24 mins
Morocco have won the ball high on a couple of occasions but you can tell they aren’t in a rush to commit too many men forwards.
Diaz tries to flick a pass into the path of Bouaddi but he’s shepherded off the ball.
France 0-0 Morocco
21:21 , Chris Wilson
21 mins
The corner comes in but Rabiot heads harmlessly over.
France 0-0 Morocco
21:21 , Chris Wilson
20 mins
France are beginning to see a lot more of the ball here. Dembele tries to fizz in a shot from outside the area but it’s blocked.
They come again, with Kounde winning a corner as his cross is put behind.
France 0-0 Morocco
21:19 , Chris Wilson
18 mins
Half a chance for France as Mbappe ships it out wide to Doue. His cross in is a good one, but Dembele can only direct his header wide of the far post.
France 0-0 Morocco
21:18 , Chris Wilson
16 mins
It’s Morocco’s turn to swing in a set-piece but this one isn’t troubling the French defence either.
It’s very even at the moment!
France 0-0 Morocco
21:15 , Chris Wilson
14 mins
Plenty of anticipation in Boston as Mbappe races into the area and gets to the byline, but his cutback is deflected out of the path of Rabiot on the edge of the box.
Moments later, France come again and win a free-kick around 35 yards out, but it’s headed away.
France 0-0 Morocco
21:12 , Chris Wilson
12 mins
Almost an opening for Morocco as El Khannouss intercepts, but he hits a wild pass out of range for Talbi on the opposite wing.
France 0-0 Morocco
21:10 , Chris Wilson
10 mins
A great challenge from Kone near the Morocco box allows some space for Mbappe, but he passes it and Doue sees his shot blocked.
France 0-0 Morocco
21:10 , Chris Wilson
7 mins
Neither side has managed to fashion anything clear-cut in attack yet. It’s been fairly cagey in the opening minutes.
France 0-0 Morocco
21:06 , Chris Wilson
4 mins
Not a lot going on early on as both teams look to get a bit of early rhythm in Boston.
A few early exchanges of possession from both teams.
France 0-0 Morocco
21:03 , Chris Wilson
2 mins
Both sides are just feeling each other out as El Aynaoui scythes down Kone early on.
KICK-OFF! France 0-0 Morocco
21:02 , Chris Wilson
We’re underway in Boston!
France vs Morocco LIVE
20:55 , Chris Wilson
Just five minutes until kick-off in Boston!
The two teams are out and we’ll be underway once we’ve had the anthems.
France vs Morocco LIVE
20:50 , Chris Wilson
Plenty of support for both sides in Boston as Morocco look to avenge their semi-final defeat from Qatar.
A reminder that the winners of this tie will face either Spain or Belgium in the semi-final this year.
France vs Morocco LIVE
20:46 , Chris Wilson
Just under 15 minutes until kick-off in Boston as these two storied sides meet again in the World Cup.
Will France continue their march towards yet another final, or will Morocco make more World Cup history? We’ll find out soon.
France vs Morocco LIVE
20:42 , Chris Wilson
World Cup 2026 quarter-finals in full
20:37 , Chris Wilson
With the World Cup quarter-finals kicking off tonight, here’s a reminder off all four ties coming up over the next few days:
Thursday 9 July: France vs Morocco (Quarter-final) – 9pm BST
Friday 10 July: Spain vs Belgium (Quarter-final) – 8pm BST
Saturday 11 July: Norway vs England (Quarter-final) – 10pm BST
Sunday 12 July: Argentina vs Switzerland (Quarter-final) – 2am BST
The lasting legacy Didier Deschamps and France could leave with another World Cup crown
20:33 , Richard Jolly
When England completed their extraordinary victory in Mexico City, they reached double figures. It was their 10th win in World Cup knockout games since the 1966 final. A day earlier, a manager reached double figures. France have 10 under Didier Deschamps alone.
There is a case for putting his personal tally at either 13 or 14 – depending on which category games decided on penalty shootouts belong in – when his role as the captain of the 1998 Les Bleus teams is included. France have played in four World Cup finals: two under Deschamps, one skippered by him, one with the remnants of a team he had led from the midfield. He is now a game from the exit or three from the status of the greatest World Cup manager of all.
The lasting legacy Deschamps and France could leave with another World Cup crown
Inside the French revolution that forged a generational World Cup team
20:22 , Miguel Delaney
On the Boston training ground that has formed the studio for France’s “art”, to quote one insider, Kylian Mbappe and his orchestra have only really had one instruction. That is to “express themselves”, to do what “comes with instinct”.
If this sounds unusually romantic for a coach as pragmatic as Didier Deschamps, he offered up even more evocative words for the media, in speaking about that illustrious trio of Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele.
“They speak the same football.”
Typically with Deschamps, mind, there is more edge to that than just nice phrasing.
Inside the French revolution that forged a generational World Cup team
Ouahbi: 'We've proven we can hurt any team'
20:17 , Chris Wilson
“With regards to preparing for the match, there will not be any surprises,” said Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi in his pre-match conference.
“I have nothing to hide. I'm not somebody who is keen on surprises, and those of you who have analysed our games, you know that we have a clear idea of how we want to play.
“Of course, the key will be to hurt them when we have possession, but it's not only on the wings. We have to be patient with the ball, and to find where we can go through on the sides or in the centre.
“We’ve proven that we can hurt any team, and that's the goal. But I'm not going to go into too many details,” he added.
What the managers have said
20:11 , Chris Wilson
"Thank you for your concerns. But I do not think about it," said Didier Deschamps to the media when asked what he will do after France go out.
"The last game could have been the last one. In my head, with the technical staff, we want to win. That’s the objective.
“In a football game there are many possibilities when it comes to [the] result. I’m focused on the Moroccan team so we can win that game,” he explained.
“They have top individuals. They are not here to play. They are here to win. We have to be ready, perform and deliver against this great team.
“We have to be efficient, offensively speaking. In all the areas, both teams have strong assets,” he added.
How France’s greatest strength could become their undoing against Morocco
20:00 , Alan Smith
What if France’s greatest strength becomes their undoing? On each irresistible step towards the World Cup quarter-finals, it has been impossible not to marvel at their depth.
Ousmane Dembele having a quiet game? Let’s put on Bradley Barcola or Rayan Cherki. Is there a need to change the defence? No worries, Ibrahima Konate is still sitting there, just 14 minutes of action in his legs. Midfield lacking energy? How about Warren Zaire-Emery or even N’Golo Kante?
How France’s greatest strength could be their undoing against Morocco
World Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Messi moves clear of Mbappe and Haaland as Kane joins thrilling race to finish top scorer
19:53 , Chris Wilson
The race for the golden boot at the World Cup is on, and it is already a thrilling race featuring some of the best players in the world.
The stars continue to dominate at this tournament, none more so than Messi. His opening hat-trick against Algeria was followed by a double against Austria – a game in which he highlighted one of his greatest traits, resilience, after a penalty miss, to break the all-time World Cup scoring record. Another goal arrived off the bench against Jordan, before he inevitably scored in both their slender knockout-stage wins over Cape Verde and Egypt to take his tally for the tournament to eight.
World Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Mbappe, Messi, Haaland, Kane top standings in race
Team news
19:48 , Chris Wilson
Morocco have made just two changes to the side that beat Canada 3-0 last time out.
In defence, Redouane Halhal has made way for Anass Salah-Eddine, while in attack, Ismael Saibari is replaced by Chemsdine Talbi, with Brahim Diaz moving up to striker.
Team news
19:43 , Chris Wilson
Didier Deschamps has made just one change to the side that beat Paraguay 1-0, with Desire Doue coming in in place of Bradley Barcola at left wing.
Manu Kone partners Adrien Rabiot in midfield, with Aurelien Tchouameni still recovering from an issue.
Deschamps sticks with his trusty back four of Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba and Lucas Digne.
Line-ups
19:38 , Chris Wilson
Morocco XI: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Salah Eddine, Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui; Talbi, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Diaz.
Subs: El Kajoui, Tagnaouti, Saadane, El Ouahdi, Riad, Belammari, Halhal, marabat, Saibari, El Mourabet, Yassine, Rahimi, Sbai, El Kaabi, Amaimouni.
🚨 التشكيلة الرسمية لـ منتخبنا الوطني أمام فرنسا
— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) July 9, 2026
📋 Our National Team’s 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐗𝐈 against France 🇫🇷#DimaMaghrib 🇲🇦 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Y66ePsQLkN
Line-ups
19:36 , Chris Wilson
France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe.
Subs: Samba, Risser, Gusto, Konate, Hernandez, Hernandez, Lacroix, Tchouameni, Kante, Cherki, Zaire-Emery, Akliocueh, Thuram, Barcola, Mateta.
Team news
19:27 , Chris Wilson
The line-ups should be released any time from the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news for both sides...
Aurelien Tchouameni remains a doubt having missed the win over Paraguay with a thigh strain, while reserve forward Marcus Thuram is also injured.
Ismael Saibari was substituted early in their last-16 clash against Canada because of a hamstring strain and Soufiane Rahimi could lead the line instead. Centre-back Chadi Riad is a doubt.
Jarell Quansah banned for two World Cup matches by Fifa after red card against Mexico
19:21 , Chris Wilson
Some interesting news in the wake of the Folarin Balogun incident...
Jarell Quansah has been banned for two games by Fifa for his red card in England’s last-16 win over Mexico.
Quansah was sent off after VAR review following a sliding challenge which saw his studs go into the shin of an opposing player.
England were considering appealing the decision after Fifa suspended USA striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban, something that was lobbied for by US president Donald Trump.
Jarell Quansah banned for two World Cup matches by Fifa after red card against Mexico
How a box-office World Cup descended into fury and farce to leave Fifa with a huge problem
19:14 , Miguel Delaney
As Lionel Messi was lifted into the air, and the Egyptian players sank to the ground, it was a scene beyond most cinema.
Or, as they say here, prime-time TV. This was box office. Any director would have loved all of this, right up to the unique soundtrack of the Argentina fans.
How a box-office World Cup descended into fury and farce
Teams train ahead of quarter-final
19:07 , Chris Wilson
Miguel Delaney Q&A: Ask me anything on Infantino and this World Cup’s crisis of trust
19:00 , Chris Wilson
This World Cup has produced some of the most dramatic football in years, from Messi’s tearful embrace with Lionel Scaloni after Argentina’s last-16 comeback against Egypt, to England’s rollercoaster win over Mexico. But alongside the drama on the pitch, a much bigger story has been building around Fifa itself.
From Gianni Infantino resignation calls to accusations of a “fixed” World Cup, Miguel Delaney will be answering all of your questions between 4pm and 5pm today - submit yours below:
I’ve covered Fifa for years – ask me anything on Infantino’s crisis
World Cup 2026 statistics: What the numbers reveal about the quarter-finalists
18:50 , Chris Wilson
The round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup is over, and it serves up a chance to delve into the numbers behind our quarter-finalists.
Who has taken more shots than Kylian Mbappe? Who has run further than Harry Kane? Who has pressed more than Elliot Anderson? Here is a look at some of the standout statistics from the last eight’s first five games at the World Cup.
World Cup 2026 statistics: What the numbers reveal about the quarter-finalists
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
