WATCH: Kylian Mbappé misses penalty vs Morocco in FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals

The deadlock is yet to be broken in the first half.

France are currently squaring off against Morocco in the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. While both sides are trying their best to break the deadlock, Les Bleus have preferred playing more attacking football.

Kylian Mbappe and Desire Doue have also created a few opportunities in the first half of the game. However, they have failed to find the back of the net, courtesy of brilliant goalkeeping by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Yassine Bounou has been a key player in the Atlas Lions’ success in the FIFA World Cup, and he continues to play his part with full strength and dedication. The 35-year-old also shone in the North African side’s last FIFA World Cup campaign in 2022, and in the ongoing edition, he has been impressive again.

In the much-awaited quarterfinal clash against two-time champions France, the Al-Hilal custodian made a brilliant save against Kylian Mbappe.

Also Read: Who is Yassine Bounou? Morocco hero who saved Kylian Mbappe penalty in FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final

Kylian Mbappe misses a penalty vs Morocco

Currently the joint top goalscorer in the FIFA World Cup with 7 goals alongside Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland, France captain Kylian Mbappé has been one of the most prolific attackers.

However, Manchester United midfielder Noussair Mazraoui, who’s playing as a centre-back for the Atlas Lions, tackled Mbappe in the penalty box. And, as soon as the Real Madrid attacker went down, a penalty was awarded to him.

After a lengthy wait, the all-time French top goal scorer went on to take the shot from the penalty spot and kicked it right into the hands of Yassine Bounou. The Al-Hilal custodian took his time and jumped calmly on the left side to save the attempt from going inside the goal.

Despite that, Kylian Mbappe had the most touches in the opposition box while Bounou was the top performer in the initial 45 minutes.

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