World Cup 2026: Didier Deschamps salutes ‘fearless’ Kylian Mbappe after heroics in Morocco game

France head coach Didier Deschamps hailed Kylian Mbappe’s mentality after the forward bounced back from a missed penalty to lead Les Bleus into the FIFA World Cup semi-finals.

Mbappe recovered from his early setback to score the opening goal in France’s 2-0 quarter-final victory over Morocco on Thursday, before Ousmane Dembele wrapped up the win as the French reached the last four for a third consecutive World Cup.

Deschamps said he never doubted his star forward would respond despite the frustration of seeing his spot-kick saved in the first half.

“When it’s Kylian, there’s no problem – he never doubts himself, even though he had another chance before scoring.”

Mbappe delivers when France needed him

Mbappe’s strike just before the hour mark settled French nerves after Morocco had frustrated the tournament favourites for much of the contest. The goal took his tally to eight at the tournament and set France on course for another semi-final appearance.

Deschamps admitted his side had made the game more difficult than necessary after failing to capitalise on several chances, but praised the quality within his squad for once again delivering on the biggest stage.

“Obviously, I have great players, otherwise we wouldn’t get there, but it’s good. It was complicated because today, after missing the penalty, and with the chances (we had), we didn’t convert.”

France chasing another World Cup final

The victory means France have now reached the World Cup semi-finals for the third tournament in succession under Deschamps, a feat the coach believes should not be taken for granted.

“I think that is three consecutive semi-finals, so that’s already a good thing.”

“It seems logical and natural, but you still have to achieve it.”

France will now face either Spain or Belgium for a place in the World Cup final, with Deschamps eager for his players to recover before another huge test.

“It’s great; we’re where we wanted to be, so we’ll recover well and then we’ll see who our opponent is tomorrow.”

There was a slight injury concern for Mbappe after he was substituted late in the match and seen icing his ankle on the bench. Deschamps later confirmed the forward had taken a knock, with the change made as a precaution ahead of the semi-final.