French President Emmanuel Macron sent a message of respect and praise to the Moroccan national team following the end of their run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing his appreciation for what the Atlas Lions delivered despite their 0–2 defeat to France in the quarter-finals — a result that booked the French side's place in the semi-finals.
Writing on his official account on X, Macron praised the level shown by the Moroccan team, posting: "Proud of our Blues… Well done Morocco, they were a strong opponent tonight, just as they were four years ago," before adding: "France in the semi-finals, with full pride and sportsmanship."
The French national team ended Morocco's dream of advancing further in the tournament by winning the quarter-final encounter 2–0, progressing to the semi-finals as they continue their pursuit of a third World Cup title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1998 and 2018.
Kylian Mbappé scored France's opening goal in the 60th minute, making up for the penalty he had missed in the 28th minute after Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved his effort. The goal brought Mbappé's tally to 8 goals in the current edition, drawing him level at the top of the tournament's scoring charts with Argentina's Lionel Messi. He also reached his 20th World Cup goal across all his tournament appearances, sitting just one goal behind Messi at the top of the all-time World Cup scorers list.
Ousmane Dembélé added the second goal in the 66th minute — his 5th of the 2026 World Cup — to secure France's passage to the semi-finals.
The French national team, two-time world champions, will next face the winner of the Spain versus Belgium match in the semi-finals, while Morocco depart the tournament after a memorable campaign that affirmed their standing among the world's elite footballing nations.