World Cup 2026: ‘There is still a long way to go’ – Kylian Mbappe fires France warning after Morocco win

Kylian Mbappe has warned France they cannot afford to relax after booking their place in the World Cup semi-finals, insisting there is still a difficult road ahead in their pursuit of another global title.

The France captain played a decisive role as Les Bleus defeated Morocco 2-0 in a tense quarter-final clash at the Gillette Stadium near Boston on Thursday, but he was quick to dismiss suggestions that Didier Deschamps’ side are already destined for glory.

Mbappe, who scored France’s opening goal and contributed to Ousmane Dembele’s late strike, admitted the team were pleased with their progress but remain fully aware of the challenges waiting in the final stages of the tournament.

“I don’t know if you can say we are on a mission. That is the easy term to use. But I think we are aware that the only way to let up is by winning,” Mbappe told French broadcaster M6.

“We are in the semi-finals and we are very pleased. There is still a long way to go and we are aware that what awaits is going to be even harder, but we are ready.”

Mbappe confident France can handle the pressure

France’s victory extended their impressive World Cup run and kept alive their hopes of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the title.

Despite their experience of winning the tournament in 1998 and 2018, as well as reaching the final in 2022, Mbappe insisted the squad understands that past achievements will count for little in the remaining matches.

The forward stressed that France are prepared for whatever comes next as they await their semi-final opponent from the quarter-final meeting between Spain and Belgium.

“We are ready to confront everything we come up against, so we will recuperate in peace and watch tomorrow’s game to find out who we will face next,” he added.

Star forward shrugs off ankle scare

Mbappe’s evening was not without concern after he was substituted late in the game following a knock to his ankle.

The Real Madrid forward had earlier seen a first-half penalty saved before eventually breaking the deadlock, and he later played a part in Dembele’s goal that sealed France’s victory.

However, Mbappe moved to calm fears over his fitness ahead of the semi-final, scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, in Dallas.

“I’m fine. I took a knock on the ankle but I’m fine. I think at that point JP was more prepared than me to play the final 15 minutes so I came off.”

France will now turn their attention to the next challenge as they aim to add a third World Cup crown to their history, with Mbappe determined to ensure their ambition remains matched by focus.