Kylian Mbappe Hailed by Manager Didier Deschamps After France March Into FIFA World Cup 2026 Semifinals By Knocking Out Morocco
Didier Deschamps lavished praise on Kylian Mbappé after his eighth FIFA World Cup 2026 goal propelled France to a 2-1 victory over Morocco in the quarter-finals on Friday, July 11, 2026. The thrilling encounter at Gillette Stadium (Boston Stadium) saw the reigning champions secure their spot in the semi-finals.
France manager Didier Deschamps showered praise on Kylian Mbappé following the talismanic forward's decisive performance that saw Les Bleus overcome a resilient Morocco side 2-1 in a gripping FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final clash. Mbappé’s crucial strike, his eighth of the tournament, proved the difference, booking France's spot in the semi-finals. ‘Sad, Frustrated, and Disillusioned’, Bruno Fernandes Breaks Silence on Cristiano Ronaldo-Led Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Exit.
The quarter-final encounter, held on Friday, July 11, 2026, at the Gillette Stadium (Boston Stadium) in Foxborough, Massachusetts, was a tense affair. France, the reigning champions, faced a formidable challenge from an inspired Moroccan team. The match kicked off at 4:00 PM ET (Eastern Time), drawing a massive global audience eager to witness the high-stakes showdown.
Deschamps' Acclaim for Mbappé
Speaking after the thrilling victory, Deschamps highlighted Mbappé's impact. "Kylian is an extraordinary player, a game-changer," Deschamps stated. "He once again showed his immense quality and why he is so vital to our team. To score his eighth goal in this World Cup and send us into the semi-finals speaks volumes about his talent and hunger. We are incredibly fortunate to have him."
Mbappé's winning goal against Morocco underscored his pivotal role in France's campaign. His consistent goal-scoring prowess has been a defining feature of their journey through the tournament, with his electric pace and clinical finishing proving a nightmare for opposition defences.
Match Details and Road Ahead
The quarter-final clash was a tactical battle, with both teams creating chances. France ultimately edged out Morocco with a 2-1 scoreline, primarily thanks to Mbappé's moment of brilliance. Les Bleus will now prepare for their semi-final match, scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 2026. The venue and opponent for that fixture are yet to be confirmed, awaiting the outcome of the remaining quarter-final ties. FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule Today (July 11): Timings in IST, Venues, Groups.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-Finals Schedule & Results
| Match | Date & Time (ET) | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| France vs. Morocco | July 11, 2026, 4:00 PM ET | Gillette Stadium (Boston Stadium), Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA | France 2-1 Morocco |
| Spain vs. Belgium | July 11, 2026, 3:00 PM ET | SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles Stadium), Inglewood, California, USA | - |
| Norway vs. England | July 12, 2026, 5:00 PM ET | Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Stadium), Miami Gardens, Florida, USA | - |
| Argentina vs. Switzerland | July 12, 2026, 9:00 PM ET | Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, USA | - |
As France advances, the focus now shifts to their semi-final challenge, with Mbappé's form undoubtedly a key factor in their aspirations to defend the World Cup title.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 10, 2026 10:17 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).