France reached the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 quarter-final win over Morocco, avenging nothing but confirming their status as one of the tournament's most relentless sides after beating the same opponents at the semi-final stage in Qatar. Kylian Mbappé was again decisive, missing a first-half penalty before scoring a spectacular curling opener and setting up Ousmane Dembélé for the second, and the article argues that France's blend of high pressing and attacking quality may prove too much for the rest of the field as they chase a third World Cup title in 28 years.

France dominated for long spells, creating 13 chances before Morocco managed their first effort on goal — a free-kick wide in first-half stoppage time. Mbappé's penalty, awarded after Noussair Mazraoui tripped him, followed an unusually long VAR check of three minutes and 10 seconds, and was saved comfortably by Yassine Bounou, who also denied Dayot Upamecano and Desiré Doué, while Lucas Digne struck the bar. The piece notes France's rhythm has dipped since the group stage and the last-32 win over Sweden, drawing a comparison to West Germany in 1990 — a clearly superior team now grinding through the knockout rounds — with Mbappé substituted to an ovation 13 minutes from time.