Foxborough is hosting its final match of the 2026 World Cup, a quarterfinal fixture between France and Morocco. The game, which kicked off at 4 p.m. at Gillette Stadium, will determine which team advances to the semifinals. This contest marks the end of Foxborough’s hosting duties for the tournament.
France, the 2022 runner-up, is competing against Morocco, a fellow 2022 semifinalist. Following this match, seven more games are scheduled in the tournament, concluding with the final in East Rutherford, N.J. on July 19.
First Half Action
The first half concluded with a scoreless tie between France and Morocco. France demonstrated dominance in the initial 45 minutes, taking 13 shots compared to Morocco’s one. However, they were unable to convert these opportunities against Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
A significant moment occurred 27 minutes into the game when France was awarded a penalty kick after Kylian Mbappé went down in the box. Following a VAR review that confirmed the call, Bounou made a diving save to his left, denying Mbappé and keeping the score at 0-0 during the first-half hydration break.
Earlier in the half, Bounou made two notable saves within the first four minutes, first directing a strike from Mbappé past the post and then saving an effort from Dayot Upamecano after a corner kick. French left back Lucas Digne also hit the crossbar with a shot from outside the box.
Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, an 18-year-old midfielder, made history in the first half by becoming the second-youngest player to participate in a quarterfinal and the first African player to make five World Cup appearances as a teenager.
The atmosphere in Foxborough was vibrant, with Moroccan fans making their presence felt in the stands. Celebrities like Noah Kahan, Shakira, and Jaylen Brown were spotted among the attendees.
Second Half Goals
The second half saw France break the deadlock. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 59th minute, bending a shot into the far corner past Bounou, putting France ahead 1-0. This goal came after France had been pressing throughout the second half.
Just six minutes later, Ousmane Dembélé doubled France’s lead. He found space at the edge of the box and placed his shot into the bottom corner, making the score 2-0 in the 66th minute. Morocco had yet to register a shot on target at this point in the quarterfinal.
Mbappé’s goal marked his 20th World Cup goal overall and his eighth of the current tournament, bringing him level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race. He was later substituted in the 78th minute, replaced by Jean-Phillippe Mateta, while Bradley Barcola came on for Désiré Doué.
Morocco made substitutions in response to France’s goals, with Soufiane Rahimi and Sofyan Amrabat entering the game for Bilal El Khannouss and Ayyoub Bouaddi. Morocco’s Ismael Saibari, who had scored three goals in this World Cup, was unavailable due to a hamstring injury. Brahim Diaz led the line for Morocco.
The winner of this match will face either Spain or Belgium, whose quarterfinal is scheduled for Friday at 3 p.m. ET.
The region has been preparing for watch parties across Boston and beyond to celebrate the tournament. The FIFA Fan Fest at City Hall Plaza concluded after the group-stage games in late June, but the Boston Fan Zone in the Seaport remains an option for viewing.
France entered the World Cup as favorites, with many players on World Cup rosters having been born in France, including six on the Moroccan squad. Former Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez predicted a 2-1 victory for Morocco in the quarterfinal match.
Source: bostonglobe.com