France's road to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals
Short overview
Kylian Mbappe has scored seven goals in five matches as France swept into the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals. Didier Deschamps' side topped Group I and defeated Sweden and Paraguay before facing Morocco for a semi-final spot.
Kylian Mbappe continues to lead France's charge, with Didier Deschamps' side through to the last eight and dreaming of a third world crown. France face Morocco in the World Cup quarter-finals after topping Group I and defeating Sweden and Paraguay. Mbappe has scored seven goals in five games.
Group Stage Dominance
Mbappe scored twice as France powered past Senegal in the opening game of Group I. Bradley Barcola was also on target for Les Bleus at New York New Jersey Stadium, before Senegal's Ibrahim Mbaye grabbed a late consolation.
Another Mbappe brace helped France secure their place in the Round of 32 with victory over Iraq. Ousmane Dembele added a third for the 2018 World Cup winners, while Michael Olise registered two assists in a thunderstorm-delayed match in Philadelphia.
France topped Group I with an emphatic victory over a much-changed Norway side at Boston Stadium. Dembele starred, completing the second-fastest hat-trick in World Cup history after Thelo Aasgaard had briefly halved the deficit in a goal-laden first half. Desire Doue sealed the points in stoppage time with his first World Cup goal.
Knockout Stage Progress
Mbappe moved into outright second in the World Cup's all-time scoring charts after dazzling once more in France's win over Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium. Deschamps' captain fantastic struck twice – his 17th and 18th World Cup goals – either side of Barcola's second of the tournament.
Mbappe's purple patch continued as France ground out a hard-fought victory over Paraguay. The 27-year-old converted a second-half penalty to settle an attritional contest at Philadelphia Stadium, keeping him firmly in contention for the 2026 adidas Golden Boot.
Quarter-Final Clash
France return to Boston to face Morocco in a repeat of the World Cup 2022 semi-final. The match will determine who advances to the semi-finals.
More on these topics
Mourinho Praises Mbappé's Early Return After World Cup
José Mourinho praised Kylian Mbappé for returning early after the World Cup to be ready for a match against Schalke, highlighting his hard training and commitment.
Mourinho Praises Mbappé: 'His Level Is Just Stratospheric'
José Mourinho has heaped praise on Kylian Mbappé, calling his level 'stratospheric' and saying the forward is 'too good' in training. The comments were made to El Chiringuito TV.
FIFA Highlights Ten Stars of Women's Africa Cup of Nations
FIFA profiles ten standout players from the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, where Cameroon won their first title and four teams qualified for the 2027 Women's World Cup. The list includes Player of the Tournament Monique Ngock, top scorer Temwa Chawinga, and goalkeeper Michaely Bihina.
Patrick Vieira appointed new Senegal coach
Former France international Patrick Vieira has been named head coach of Senegal, succeeding Pape Thiaw. His first task is guiding the Lions of Teranga to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, followed by qualification for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
