France Advances to World Cup Semifinals After 2-0 Victory Over Morocco

France became the first team to book a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals on Thursday, defeating Morocco 2-0 in Boston behind second-half goals from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. Les Bleus controlled much of the knockout match after a cautious opening half and will now face the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal between Spain and Belgium. Morocco entered the match having produced one of the tournament’s biggest surprise runs, but France’s depth and attacking quality ultimately proved too much. Mbappé broke the deadlock shortly after halftime to strengthen his position in the Golden Boot race before Dembélé added an insurance goal minutes later. France’s defense and goalkeeper Mike Maignan preserved another clean sheet as Didier Deschamps’ squad moved within two victories of another World Cup title.

Friday Quarterfinal Preview: Spain vs. Belgium

Spain and Belgium meet Friday in Los Angeles with the final spot in the semifinals at stake. Spain has yet to concede a goal in the tournament, while Belgium enters the match after eliminating Team USA in the Round of 16. Game Information

• Match: Spain vs. Belgium
• Round: FIFA World Cup Quarterfinal
• Location: Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California
• Time: 3 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX, Telemundo
• Betting Odds: Spain -150, Belgium +425, Draw +260 (90 minutes)
• Projected Total: 2.5 goals

Key Players to Watch

• Spain: Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Pedri
• Belgium: Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Jérémy Doku

What to Watch

• Can Spain continue its streak without conceding a goal?
• Will Belgium’s experienced attack create enough chances against Spain’s disciplined defense?
• Can Lamine Yamal continue his outstanding tournament and strengthen his Young Player Award candidacy?
• Which team earns a semifinal meeting with France?

World Cup Betting Update

With France already through to the semifinals, World Cup betting markets have shifted again entering Friday’s quarterfinal.

Team	Championship Odds
France	+175
Argentina	+325
Spain	+425
England	+500

France remains the consensus favorite following another composed knockout victory, while Argentina, Spain and England continue to headline the group of leading contenders. Norway and Belgium remain attractive longer-shot options if they can survive the quarterfinal round.

Golden Boot Outlook

The Golden Boot race remains extremely competitive. Mbappé’s goal against Morocco moved him back into the spotlight as France advanced, while Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland remain firmly in contention entering their quarterfinal matches. Harry Kane also remains within striking distance and could quickly close the gap with another productive performance this weekend.

Golden Glove Race

France goalkeeper Mike Maignan strengthened his Golden Glove credentials with another clean sheet, reinforcing his status as one of the tournament favorites. Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez, Spain’s Unai Simón and England’s Jordan Pickford remain among the leading contenders, with every clean sheet becoming increasingly valuable as the tournament reaches its final stages.