Rabiot praises Koné after France beat Morocco: midfield was 'devastating'

France advanced to the World Cup semi-final with a 2–0 victory over Morocco, confirming their status as favourites for the tournament after losing the 2022 final to Argentina. Roma midfielder Manu Koné delivered a standout performance and is expected to start in Tuesday's semi-final at 21:00 against the winner of Spain vs Belgium. Koné spoke enthusiastically after the match about playing alongside France's attacking options. Asked about the experience of performing behind Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé and Bradley Barcola, he said: "Bellissimo! To be honest there are great players and today they showed it. We really are a great squad, we must continue like this. We are very happy, we hope everyone is. Basically we hope to get to the end of the competition." The Roma player's commanding display has secured him a starting berth for the decisive match ahead.

France advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup on 9 July, beating Morocco 2–0 in a quarter-final that pitted two AS Roma midfielders against each other. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé scored for France, with Manu Koné and Neil El Aynaoui both starting in midfield and clashing repeatedly in central play throughout an intense contest. Koné was substituted in the 70th minute by manager Deschamps, a precautionary step to shield the Roma midfielder from yellow-card suspension ahead of the semi-final. Koné was on a booking and risked missing France's next match; Zaire-Emery replaced him as France controlled the scoreline. El Aynaoui played the entire match and was a constant presence in Morocco's midfield until the final whistle, though the team's World Cup campaign ended at the quarter-final stage. Koné remains the only AS Roma player still active in the tournament and will feature in France's semi-final against the winner of Spain–Belgium. El Aynaoui completed a World Cup in which he started every match for Morocco, delivering consistency and reliability in central midfield throughout the competition.

France advanced to the World Cup final with a commanding 2–0 victory over Morocco in Boston, with Manu Koné delivering a standout midfield performance. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 60th minute with a curling finish after initially missing a penalty in the first half, before Ousmane Dembélé doubled the lead in the 66th with a shot from the edge of the box. Koné, Roma's midfielder, controlled the tempo throughout, recovering possession and breaking up dangerous counterattacks. He played until the 71st minute before being replaced by Zaire-Emery after an impressive display. Neil El Aynaoui and Salah-Eddine, both Roma players, featured for Morocco but could not prevent elimination despite spirited defending. El Aynaoui appeared restricted in the opening stages, while Salah-Eddine, who rejoins Roma on 1 July, was withdrawn at the 74th minute. France dominated possession and created numerous chances, with goalkeeper Bounou making several crucial saves, including a penalty stop from Mbappé at the 25th minute and a block on Doué's effort at the 35th. Morocco offered late resistance through Ounahi and a header from El Aynaoui that cleared the crossbar, but France's superior finishing proved decisive. France will face the winner of Spain versus Belgium, which takes place this evening at 21:00, in the final.

France advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup on 9 July, beating Morocco 2–0 in a quarter-final that pitted two AS Roma midfielders against each other. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé scored for France, with Manu Koné and Neil El Aynaoui both starting in midfield and clashing repeatedly in central play throughout an intense contest. Koné was substituted in the 70th minute by manager Deschamps, a precautionary step to shield the Roma midfielder from yellow-card suspension ahead of the semi-final. Koné was on a booking and risked missing France's next match; Zaire-Emery replaced him as France controlled the scoreline. El Aynaoui played the entire match and was a constant presence in Morocco's midfield until the final whistle, though the team's World Cup campaign ended at the quarter-final stage. Koné remains the only AS Roma player still active in the tournament and will feature in France's semi-final against the winner of Spain–Belgium. El Aynaoui completed a World Cup in which he started every match for Morocco, delivering consistency and reliability in central midfield throughout the competition.

France advanced to the World Cup final with a commanding 2–0 victory over Morocco in Boston, with Manu Koné delivering a standout midfield performance. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 60th minute with a curling finish after initially missing a penalty in the first half, before Ousmane Dembélé doubled the lead in the 66th with a shot from the edge of the box. Koné, Roma's midfielder, controlled the tempo throughout, recovering possession and breaking up dangerous counterattacks. He played until the 71st minute before being replaced by Zaire-Emery after an impressive display. Neil El Aynaoui and Salah-Eddine, both Roma players, featured for Morocco but could not prevent elimination despite spirited defending. El Aynaoui appeared restricted in the opening stages, while Salah-Eddine, who rejoins Roma on 1 July, was withdrawn at the 74th minute. France dominated possession and created numerous chances, with goalkeeper Bounou making several crucial saves, including a penalty stop from Mbappé at the 25th minute and a block on Doué's effort at the 35th. Morocco offered late resistance through Ounahi and a header from El Aynaoui that cleared the crossbar, but France's superior finishing proved decisive. France will face the winner of Spain versus Belgium, which takes place this evening at 21:00, in the final.

Roma midfielders Manu Koné and Neil El Aynaoui have both been named in the starting lineups for France versus Morocco in the World Cup quarter-final, kicking off at 22:00. The two Giallorossi players will face each other as their nations clash in a match that determines who advances to face either Spain or Belgium, scheduled to play tomorrow at 21:00. Koné and El Aynaoui represent a rare instance of Roma players appearing on opposite sides in a knockout fixture at the tournament. Both earned starting berths from their respective managers, underlining their importance to their national teams at this stage of the competition. A third Roma player, Salah-Eddine, is also involved in the World Cup, though as a squad member rather than starting. The quarter-final takes place in America, with coverage available on M6 and beIN SPORTS 1.