Ousmane Dembélé powers France to World Cup semifinal win

**Ousmane Dembélé** struck in the 66th minute to seal France’s 2‑0 victory over Morocco on 10 July 2026, sending Les Bleus into the World Cup semifinals.

Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring early in the second half, converting a penalty after a foul in the box. France pressed hard, and Dembélé, playing on the left wing, found space on his weaker right foot and fired a low drive past goalkeeper Yassine "Bono" Bounou. The goal arrived just six minutes after Mbappé’s, giving France a comfortable lead.

Dembélé’s pace and dribbling forced Morocco to stretch defensively, creating gaps that France exploited. His shot in the 66th minute was a precise, low‑driven effort that slipped under Bounou’s outstretched hand. The goal not only doubled the lead but also deflated Morocco’s attempts to get back into the game.

Scoring in a World Cup quarter‑final adds a high‑profile goal to Dembélé’s international résumé. It marks his first knockout‑stage goal at a senior World Cup, highlighting his evolution from a talented squad player to a decisive match‑winner on football’s biggest stage.

France will face the winner of the Spain‑Belgium quarter‑final on 14 July 2026 in Dallas. A clean sheet against Morocco suggests a solid defensive foundation, while Dembélé’s contribution gives Deschamps a versatile attacking option heading into the semifinal.

France dominated possession and created the majority of chances. Morocco’s defensive focus limited early opportunities, but a penalty and Dembélé’s goal exposed their vulnerability. The 2‑0 scoreline reflects France’s control and the effectiveness of their attacking trio.

Alongside Mbappé and Dembélé, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud contributed with key passes and hold‑up play. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris kept a clean sheet, while defender Raphaël Varane organized the back line.

The victory keeps France’s World Cup hopes alive, and Dembélé’s goal will be remembered as the moment the French attack truly broke free.