FIFA World Cup 2026 :Canada/Mexico/United States: Discussion Thread

[ASloveapg]

It is becoming very difficult for France to score, the first half score ended 0-0, France had an effort but Morocco's defense was good.
But I was surprised to see Mbappe miss the penalty.

The match now seems to be very difficult for both teams, Morocco will try to take the match to the end in a penalty shootout, besides they will not be able to win against France, and for this reason Morocco will try their best to end the match in penalties.

But of course these are not easy for them, France can score a goal anyway, France's attack can become more dangerous at any moment.

[Silikiem]

This match between France and Morocco is getting interesting and I’m enjoying every part of it. They are done with the first half and they are still playing 0:0, I did not believe that Mbappé was going to miss the penalty, I was thinking it is a pure goal and a 1 goal for France, but unfortunately, he did not score the goal and this is a very huge disappointment. However, I will not criticize him because it is not easy to score a penalty even though people insult Ronaldo when he scores a penalty they think is easy, in a match like this however is not actually easy. I still believe and trust France to win this match. If they end up winning the match, I believe they will be the one to lift the World Cup.

This game is looking a bit cagey for me as both teams are being extra careful with their style of play and paying more attention to their defense. I think Morocco is missing their star striker Ismael saibari in this game as they are yet to register any shot on target but over all I think they both played well in the first half. It’s quite disappointing for France especially kylian Mbappe for the penalty miss and also I think the Moroccan goal keeper Yassine Bouno have been outstanding so far especially with that penalty save. The second half is underway and I expect to see one of the team score a goal this second half.

[CLS63]

France missed a penalty after Yassine Bounou comfortably saved Kylian Mbappé's spot kick, denying France the opening goal.
France have been the better side and look much more likely to score. Morocco are fighting hard, but they have created very few chances going forward.
The goal feels like it's coming for France. I still think they will win this match and book their place in the semifinals.

That was a really horrible penalty by Mbappe. I didn't have any doubt on him to score before he took it to be honest. But I just can't overlook Bono's great goalkeeping performance of course.

He has been making critical saves for Morocco and playing a big role in keeping them in the World Cup. I still don't think France would be eliminated in this round. But it might be that easy in the second half either.

[LUCKMCFLY]

This game is looking a bit cagey for me as both teams are being extra careful with their style of play and paying more attention to their defense. I think Morocco is missing their star striker Ismael saibari in this game as they are yet to register any shot on target but over all I think they both played well in the first half. It’s quite disappointing for France especially kylian Mbappe for the penalty miss and also I think the Moroccan goal keeper Yassine Bouno have been outstanding so far especially with that penalty save. The second half is underway and I expect to see one of the team score a goal this second half.

I don't blame the players for missing a penalty; it's difficult here because I see it as very much a matter of luck, so it's not something that's decisive. Yes, there's an advantage for the player taking the penalty, but that's like the home advantage; sometimes you have to lose a little, and that little loss is what makes the game of football interesting. For now, I see France as superior, but Morocco has a very high level with that goalkeeper.

[yixichloro2xx]

It is becoming very difficult for France to score, the first half score ended 0-0, France had an effort but Morocco's defense was good.
But I was surprised to see Mbappe miss the penalty.

The match now seems to be very difficult for both teams, Morocco will try to take the match to the end in a penalty shootout, besides they will not be able to win against France, and for this reason Morocco will try their best to end the match in penalties.

But of course these are not easy for them, France can score a goal anyway, France's attack can become more dangerous at any moment.

I never expected that Morocco will sit dip in this match and wait for chance to counter. I don't really like this tactics , they are just adding more pressure on themselves. They didn't play like this in 2022.  Even the counter attack they are waiting for isn't working. They are unable to create good chances in this first half. No shot on target. France are doing well, they are possessing and creating multiple chances. If they continue like , I am sure they find a possible way to score to Morocco. Mbappe missing that Penalty is shocking to me. I expected to hit the ball with force bearing in mind that Bono is good at catching penalties. I hope second half gets better.

[|MINER|]

France struggling to break Morocco down, Mbappe has even missed a penalty. I knew this would be closer than a lot of people expected.
Second half about to start, I think France win in normal time.

Actually, if we look at the highlights of Mbappe's penalty shootout, we can see that before he took the shot, the Moroccan goalkeeper had a great tactic. He moved his body a little by two times, which basically confused Mbappe, and accordingly, Mbappe was not able to shoot his shot at the speed he was supposed to.  Although this was my personal thinking.

In fact, the reputation of Morocco's goalkeeper must be praised because he has defended his shots very well, which has allowed Morocco to remain unbeaten and at the same time, he has been able to give France counterattacks from time to time.

[Jatiluhung]

France struggling to break Morocco down, Mbappe has even missed a penalty. I knew this would be closer than a lot of people expected.
Second half about to start, I think France win in normal time.

If Morocco sticks to a defensive strategy, it’s really just a matter of time before France scores. however, I think the course of the match will be different if Morocco starts playing the way they usually do. yeah, Morocco usually plays more aggressively and on the attack. But they fully realize that against France, they have to be more careful. Because in the previous World Cup, Morocco lost to France in the semifinals partly because they didn’t fully strengthen their defense.
However, in my opinion, playing defensively is a high-risk strategy. So, yeah, I think France will likely win in regulation time. And actually, if France manages to score one goal, it’s usually followed by one or two more. A team’s concentration when employing a defensive strategy usually crumbles once they concede a goal. They know they can’t keep defending indefinitely, and doing so will only open up even bigger gaps. But the opposite could also happen.

[red4slash]

It is becoming very difficult for France to score, the first half score ended 0-0, France had an effort but Morocco's defense was good.
But I was surprised to see Mbappe miss the penalty.

Although in this match Morocco are minimal in chances but it cannot be denied that their defense is quite good and able to keep up with France but this is the ideal quarter final because looking at the situation these two teams are seeded from Europe and Africa so this is a very interesting match.

Mbappe is quite confident but this is Bonou and we know he is one of those goalkeepers who is not easy to beat when it comes to penalties so even though this is a failure but at least Mbappe knows it will not be easy.
The second half kicks off and I think for 45 minutes it will be a lot more interesting because if Morocco are still with the same scheme they are then certainly they lose before trying to get extra time so their focus has to change a bit.

[Adbitco]

Morocco 0 Vs France 0
Morocco is still alive and well in the game all thanks to Bono who stopped Mbappe's penalty and prevented his side from falling behind on the night in the first half. Both teams has equal chances of advancing to the next round in books so long as there's no side in front yet. Morocco in recent has has been the only team that has been representing a whole continent in the world stage, even though they claim they are not part of the continent. I do commend them because of their resilience, they look like the team that will win it .or Africa if it's going to be by an African team. They are the ones who are showing signs of really seriousness from the continent. It's second and the French team will pour everything on this half in other no to extent it to extra time and at the same time they should be careful of Morocco because they are not a small fry.

[nikola22]

I never expected that Morocco will sit dip in this match and wait for chance to counter. I don't really like this tactics , they are just adding more pressure on themselves. They didn't play like this in 2022.  Even the counter attack they are waiting for isn't working. They are unable to create good chances in this first half. No shot on target. France are doing well, they are possessing and creating multiple chances. If they continue like , I am sure they find a possible way to score to Morocco. Mbappe missing that Penalty is shocking to me. I expected to hit the ball with force bearing in mind that Bono is good at catching penalties. I hope second half gets better.

if Morocco plays open football against France, they won't have a chance at all. In 2022 Morocco played more boldly because France was somewhat weaker. I think Morocco's only hope now is to hold out until penalties. although France probably understands this too and will try to settle the matter in regular time. especially since they have chances and create them very well.

[Italian Panic]

if Morocco plays open football against France, they won't have a chance at all. In 2022 Morocco played more boldly because France was somewhat weaker. I think Morocco's only hope now is to hold out until penalties. although France probably understands this too and will try to settle the matter in regular time. especially since they have chances and create them very well.

France are still the same devastating and unstoppable side as ever, Olise and Doue are truly great players. However, Morocco are playing well, defending as one would hope, and are proving to be a really fine, compact side who understand quickly. They’re also launching some fine counter attacks, and with the fresh legged Saibari coming on and the French looking tired, something could well happen.

EDIT: Mbappe make a goal now when I click post 

[famososMuertos]

What kind of penalty is that? What is the point of VAR? Mbappe sees Mazraoui sliding in, twists his leg to make it look like there was contact, but there wasn't any. It’s strange that VAR didn't rule against the penalty after reviewing the incident.

Thank goodness justice prevailed, and Bono saved the penalty.
This is the second time Mbappe has missed a penalty this year.
Morocco is going to stop France and then defeat them.
Bono is Morocco's best player right now.

Am pretty much sure that penalty was actually justified, hence the 3 minutes hold up for clarification. I felt all that build up and delay added to Mbappe missing that penalty and I pretty much understand why you will feel like Mbappe foul was false but he [Mbappe] made the right call as he saw Mazroui sliding through just one touch to put him in contact of Mazroui and that's all he needed to get the penalty, an intelligent play from Mbappe I'll say.

Indeed I totally agree with you that Bono is Morocco's best player with 3 crucial saves especially from that one from Doue

He didn't miss it, Bono saved it, but it's not just the penalty; Morocco has prevented several scoring opportunities thanks to their excellent goalkeeper, but finally, he's beaten him. I think he's imitating Messi: missing penalties but then scoring a fantastic goal.

1-0
.

[CryptoBuds]

It is becoming very difficult for France to score, the first half score ended 0-0, France had an effort but Morocco's defense was good.
But I was surprised to see Mbappe miss the penalty.

Although in this match Morocco are minimal in chances but it cannot be denied that their defense is quite good and able to keep up with France but this is the ideal quarter final because looking at the situation these two teams are seeded from Europe and Africa so this is a very interesting match.
Mbappe is quite confident but this is Bonou and we know he is one of those goalkeepers who is not easy to beat when it comes to penalties so even though this is a failure but at least Mbappe knows it will not be easy.
The second half kicks off and I think for 45 minutes it will be a lot more interesting because if Morocco are still with the same scheme they are then certainly they lose before trying to get extra time so their focus has to change a bit.

The first half was very tense. Morocco's defense looked rock-solid and they really let France down.

Mbappe missed a penalty? I was surprised too. He usually finishes well in these places, but Bono is a beast in this kind of situation.

I'm getting the vibe of that 2022 rematch in this quarter-final. Europe vs. Africa, heavyweights. I like the way Morocco organized and fought the match. But yes, as you said, they should create more chances in the second half. Playing defensively now is not going to work. It will be harder for the team that plays defensively now to survive.

I thought France would come back stronger after the break, and that was true. They already took control of the match and scored 1

[Merit.s]

Kylian Mbappe has covered up for his missed penalty with an astonishing goal on the 60th minutes to put France on a goal upfront as the scoreline is currently, 1-0.

Mbappe has scored eight goals so far in the world cup. He's on the same number of goal with Messi. Morocco does not have the strength to play France bone to bone because France is better than them.

[Jegileman]

It is becoming very difficult for France to score, the first half score ended 0-0, France had an effort but Morocco's defense was good.
But I was surprised to see Mbappe miss the penalty.

The match now seems to be very difficult for both teams, Morocco will try to take the match to the end in a penalty shootout, besides they will not be able to win against France, and for this reason Morocco will try their best to end the match in penalties.

But of course these are not easy for them, France can score a goal anyway, France's attack can become more dangerous at any moment.

Mbappe missed the penalty and has now also gotten a goal against Morocco. The Moroccan defense is strong but there is still some time left for them to equalize or for France to add more goals. Now that they’re ahead with one goal, it is now actually a time for them to start relaxing but they need to add more goals if they want to destabilise the Moroccan team.

Morocco will now be trying to score at least one goal to make them defend and take the game to the penalty shootout. They have a very good goalkeeper that already saved more penalties in this world cup than he has concede, including even those played during penalty shootout. This is a very big and tough game but in the end, the best team gets to win.

[Jatiluhung]

if Morocco plays open football against France, they won't have a chance at all. In 2022 Morocco played more boldly because France was somewhat weaker. I think Morocco's only hope now is to hold out until penalties. although France probably understands this too and will try to settle the matter in regular time. especially since they have chances and create them very well.

Well, they’re really just trying not to repeat the same mistake. It’s just that playing defensively against France is actually very risky. So I predicted from the start that it was only a matter of time before France scored. And now that’s happened. the score is currently 1-0. And that opening goal could lead to more. I prefer Morocco’s usual style of play. And honestly, it’s a bit disappointing to see them not creating many chances at all. I think they should have stuck to their usual style with just a few adjustments in the back. Japan has played a balanced mix of attack and defense before, and I think that would have suited Morocco well, considering Morocco is also good at building attacks. But now it’ll be harder, especially since they’re already down by one goal.

edited: 2-0

[kizilhare]

Morocco couldn't put up any resistance. They sat back too deep in defense. Goalkeeper Bono did more than his part, but Mbappé and Dembélé scored magnificent goals.
I haven't even heard the name of France's goalkeeper, Maignan, because Morocco failed to create any chances. The score is now 2-0 in favor of France.

[LordShanken]

Mbappe scored the first goal to make it 1-0 to France, and Dembele added the second, making it 2-0 for France. Unfortunately, Morocco can't compete with them. It seems Morocco's dream of another World Cup semifinal has ended. If they had any shots, if they had posed any danger, I might have wondered if the have any chances. However, Morocco is in no position to threaten France in any way.

[Davidvictorson]

Mbappe missed the penalty and has now also gotten a goal against Morocco. The Moroccan defense is strong but there is still some time left for them to equalize or for France to add more goals. Now that they’re ahead with one goal, it is now actually a time for them to start relaxing but they need to add more goals if they want to destabilise the Moroccan team.

Morocco will now be trying to score at least one goal to make them defend and take the game to the penalty shootout. They have a very good goalkeeper that already saved more penalties in this world cup than he has concede, including even those played during penalty shootout. This is a very big and tough game but in the end, the best team gets to win.

When he missed the penalty kick in my head I just said that it was very predictable that he was going to shoot the ball in that direction. If you watched most of his penalty kicks at least more than 50% of them go in that direction. So yeah, not surprising at all.

My prediction for this match is that either France will score another goal to make it 2 or they will win the game with just one but the Moroccan side will not be able to equalize.

[Ruttoshi]

Morocco 0 Vs France 0
Morocco is still alive and well in the game all thanks to Bono who stopped Mbappe's penalty and prevented his side from falling behind on the night in the first half. Both teams has equal chances of advancing to the next round in books so long as there's no side in front yet. Morocco in recent has has been the only team that has been representing a whole continent in the world stage, even though they claim they are not part of the continent. I do commend them because of their resilience, they look like the team that will win it .or Africa if it's going to be by an African team. They are the ones who are showing signs of really seriousness from the continent. It's second and the French team will pour everything on this half in other no to extent it to extra time and at the same time they should be careful of Morocco because they are not a small fry.

I think it's the end of the road for Morocco in this tournament as they're no longer in the game with a two goal deficit. Mbappe broke the deadlock and five minutes later, Dembele double France lead to give France a big hope of advancing to the semifinals.

Morocco needs to work out something out of nothing if they want to still be alive in the competition. It wouldn't be easy for Morocco to equalize two goals before the end of the game.