Madrid World Cup Spotlight: Kylian Mbappe proves decisive in France’s win over Morocco | OneFootball

Real Madrid stars continue to rule the roost at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and last night was Kylian Mbappe and France’s turn.

Les Bleus faced Morocco in the quarter-finals of the competition, looking to book a date against either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals.

Morocco managed to hold France to a 0-0 draw in the first half and even closed the door until the 60th minute, but could not hold on beyond that.

All Kylian Mbappe needed was for the door to open slightly, as he unleashed a curler that got past Bounou and gave France the first goal.

Soon after, Ousmane Dembele scored the second goal to give France a comfortable 2-0 lead that they managed to see out until the end.

Morocco lacked threat going forward, with Saibari missing through injury, and were unable to look dangerous in front of goal.

Defensively, the likes of Saliba, Upamecano and Maignan made sure that even the few chances Morocco created were thwarted at source.

Mbappe took a knock in the Morocco game. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

All in all, it was yet another solid display from France as they continue to look like the team to beat in this tournament.

As for Mbappe, he continued to enhance his reputation as one of the best players ever at the World Cup and is well on his way to going down as the top goalscorer of the competition.

From a Madrid perspective, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ibrahima Konate were also in the squad for France, but the former was carrying an injury while the latter was not given any minutes.

Here is how Mbappe fared for France on the night.

Mbappe vs Morocco

Kylian Mbappe did not have a perfect night against Morocco, but he still gave France exactly what great players are supposed to give in knockout football: the decisive action.

For Mbappe, the match had a bit of everything. There was pressure, frustration, a missed penalty, and then the kind of response that separates elite forwards from everyone else.

Morocco had worked hard to make the game awkward. They defended with discipline, slowed the tempo, and relied on Yassine Bounou to keep them alive.

Mbappe scored a crucial goal for France vs Morocco. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Mbappe had the chance to break the game open from the spot in the first half, but Bounou saved his penalty after a long VAR delay.

That could have become the defining image of his night. Instead, Mbappe made sure it was only part of the story.

His goal after the break changed everything. France had been pushing, but Morocco were still hanging on emotionally.

Once Mbappe found the breakthrough, the tie finally tilted fully towards Didier Deschamps’ side.

There was also the bigger individual picture. Mbappe’s goal took him level with Lionel Messi at the top of the tournament’s Golden Boot race.

That chase adds another layer to his World Cup. Mbappe is not just helping France survive. He is building a tournament that feels increasingly historic on a personal level.

The performance might not have been flawless, but knockout tournaments are decided by one moment, and Mbappe made sure he was there for his against Morocco.