The French side confirmed its dominance in the World Cup 2026 quarter‑final by beating Morocco 2‑0, thanks to Kylian Mbappé’s strike in the 60th minute. The match on July 9 was clouded by controversy: did Adrien Rabiot handle the ball before the decisive goal?

Was Rabiot’s hand punishable?

VAR found nothing, and Argentine referee Facundo Tello did not stop play. According to the X ArchivoVAR account, the hand was unintentional and therefore not punishable under IFAB law 12. Rabiot first touched the ball with his foot, then appeared to shield his hand before the ball rose again. No slow‑motion replay was shown, leaving the evidence uncertain. Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi claimed to see “a hand”, but did not specify whether it should have been whistled.

How the goal shaped the match

After a missed penalty by Mbappé before the half‑hour mark, the Frenchman’s curled finish broke the deadlock. A second goal a few minutes later sealed the outcome. The French, who beat Paraguay 1‑0 on July 4, are on a five‑game winning streak (5W‑0D‑0L). This form boosts their confidence ahead of the next fixture against Turkey away on September 25.

Players’ reactions

Rabiot, speaking to beIN Sports, said he saw no real danger in the gesture and highlighted the squad’s resilience: “We used the ball well, stayed in after the missed penalty.” The French manager reminded that Morocco never seriously threatened the net, explaining the lack of a sanction. Fans continue to debate, but the official verdict remains unchanged.

What it means for the road ahead

With Hugo Ekitiké currently sidelined, France’s bench depth is being tested. Still, the current form – five straight wins – and high morale suggest a promising run to the semifinals. The upcoming clash with Turkey on September 25, away, will be a crucial test of the French defence after this contentious quarter‑final.