France Cruises Past Morocco Into World Cup Semifinals, Ending Africa's Last Hope
The National (UAE)—France eliminated Morocco from the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals while extinguishing the last remaining African team's dream of a historic title run. The victory was described as comfortable for France, with player ratings showing goalkeeper Bounou performed solidly while other Moroccan starters struggled to contain the French attack. The result sets up an eagerly anticipated semifinal between France and the winner of the Spain-Belgium quarterfinal. Morocco's exit left African fans mourning the end of the continent's most ambitious World Cup campaign in years.