Mbappé leads France to World Cup semifinals, record win

Kylian Mbappé has cemented his status as one of the greatest players in FIFA World Cup history, setting multiple records and leading France into the semifinals with a 2-0 quarterfinal victory over Morocco at Boston Stadium. The 27-year-old captain scored a crucial goal and provided an assist in the win, further solidifying his extraordinary tournament résumé.

During the match on Thursday, July 9, 2026, Mbappé recovered from a first-half penalty miss to break the deadlock with a curling finish from the edge of the box in the 60th minute. He then set up teammate Ousmane Dembélé for France's second goal just six minutes later, effectively sealing the result and a place in the final four. The comprehensive victory extended France's dominant run in the tournament.

With his eighth goal of the 2026 World Cup, Mbappé reached a historic milestone: 20 career World Cup goals in just 20 appearances across three tournaments. This achievement makes him the fastest player to reach 20 World Cup goals and leaves him just one goal behind the all-time record holder, Argentina's Lionel Messi, who has 21. Mbappé also became the youngest player ever to feature in 20 World Cup matches.