Adrien Rabiot has revealed France felt little threat from Morocco during their 2-0 victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final in Boston, a result that sends Les Bleus into a third successive semi-final.
The AC Milan midfielder told BeIn Sport that France “didn’t have to worry a lot about this team” despite acknowledging Morocco’s dangerous individuals. His comments came after the 2022 runners-up repeated the exact scoreline from their semi-final triumph over the Atlas Lions four years ago, with Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé supplying the second-half goals.
Rabiot: ‘We Felt They Weren’t Very Dangerous’
France captain Mbappé missed a first-half penalty but broke the deadlock shortly after the interval with a sublime curled effort. Dembélé doubled the advantage just six minutes later, leaving Morocco with no response as they crashed out of the competition.
Rabiot explained the team’s confidence stemmed from Morocco’s lack of cutting edge during the contest. “We felt that, in the moments when we didn’t have the ball, they weren’t very dangerous,” he said. “We didn’t have to worry a lot about this team. It is the feeling that we had on the pitch.”
He added a note of caution regarding Morocco’s individual quality: “It’s a shock. But they are still a team that, at any moment, can make the difference because they have extraordinary individuals. That’s why you always have to stay vigilant.”
Injuries Blunt Atlas Lions Attack
Morocco struggled to pose a consistent threat throughout the match, with fitness issues undermining their challenge. Ismael Saibari suffered an injury that limited the North African side’s effectiveness, contributing to an underwhelming display compared to their historic semi-final run in Qatar.
France Reach Third Straight Semi-Final
The victory extends France’s remarkable recent World Cup record. Les Bleus have now reached the semi-finals in three consecutive tournaments, having finished as runners-up in 2022 and winners in 2018.
The French side will now prepare for their semi-final encounter as they attempt to secure a place in the final and add to their previous World Cup triumphs.