France have become the first nation to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup after a comfortable 2-0 win over Morocco in Boston, cementing their status as favourites to lift the trophy. Winners in 1998 and 2018, Les Bleus are now two victories away from a third world title, prompting debate over whether Didier Deschamps — in his final tournament as manager — has assembled the best French side ever. Pundits including Patrick Vieira, Ian Wright and Roy Keane have praised the squad's depth and attacking quality, with several tipping France to reach a third successive final.

Both goals came within a six-minute spell in the second half, Kylian Mbappe opening the scoring after an earlier saved penalty before Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembele added the second. Mbappe now has eight goals, level with Lionel Messi as top scorer but leading the Golden Boot race on assists, while Dembele has five — making France only the second side in 50 years to have two players score five or more at one tournament, after Brazil in 2002. France have scored 16 goals, more than any other team, and conceded just twice in six games; they await the winner of Friday's Spain v Belgium quarter-final, with any semi-final to be played in Dallas on Tuesday, and the final set for 19 July.