FIFA World Cup 2026: Mbappe says France "A little closer" to WC dream following QF win over Morocco
Boston, July 10
Kylian Mbappe expressed his delight after France's victory over Morocco in the quarter-finals, saying the team had moved "a little closer" to their ultimate goal of winning the World Cup.
France booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Morocco in a gripping quarter-final encounter at Boston Stadium.
"A little closer," Mbappe wrote in an X post.
Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scored in the second half to guide France into the final four of the ongoing World Cup, as Les Bleus reached their third consecutive World Cup semi-final. Mbappe was also named Player of the Match, earning the honour for the third time in the 2026 edition.
Mbappe continued his sensational runs in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, as he scored the opening goal for his side against Morocco in their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final in Boston.
The goal helped Mbappe reach a remarkable milestone in his World Cup career.
The France captain took his tally to 20 FIFA World Cup goals across the 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions, moving within one goal of Lionel Messi's all-time tournament record of 21.
This was Mbappe's eighth goal of the ongoing edition. Mbappe's eighth goal of the 2026 World Cup also saw him join Argentina's Messi at the top of the Golden Boot race.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, France just have too much depth. Even when Mbappe has an off moment, there's Dembele, Griezmann, Tchouameni... it's like they have a whole extra XI on the bench. Feels a bit unfair for smaller nations. But hey, that's the game. Mbappe vs Messi in the final? That would be box office.
"A little closer" – classic Mbappe. Always so measured and professional. That guy has ice in his veins. 😎 20 goals in 3 World Cups is Messi-Ronaldo level consistency. France vs Portugal semi will be massive. As an Indian football fan, watching these superstars week in, week out during the World Cup is pure gold.
Maybe it's just me, but France haven't been that impressive. They win because of individual brilliance, not team play. Morocco actually outplayed them for large parts. A lucky deflection for the first goal and then it opened up. Mbappe is phenomenal, no doubt, but I'm hoping someone like Portugal or Argentina beats them in the final.
As a cricket-loving Indian, I never thought I'd say this, but this World Cup has been absolutely brilliant! 😍 The quality of football, the atmosphere, the upsets. France are looking like a machine, but I feel Argentina has that special spark this time. Mbappe vs Messi for the Golden Boot adds another layer. Let's see who blinks first. 🔥
S Sneha F Watching We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.