The Al Bayt Stadium hosted a historic semi-final as France ended Morocco's remarkable World Cup journey with a 2-0 victory that secured their place in a second consecutive final. The match carried significance beyond simple sporting outcome: Morocco had captured global imagination as the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final, their achievement representing continental pride that transcended national boundaries. The breakthrough arrived early through Theo Hernandez's acrobatic finish on five minutes, converting Kylian Mbappe's deflected shot. The goal silenced the Moroccan-dominated crowd and forced Walid Regragui's side to chase the match. Morocco's response was spirited and sustained, with Jawad El Yamiq's overhead kick forcing Hugo Lloris into a spectacular save that maintained France's advantage. The first half saw Morocco dominate possession and territory, their supporters roaring each attacking foray with belief that an equalizer remained possible. Randal Kolo Muani's goal on 79 minutes, converting from close range after Mbappe's run had created chaos in the Moroccan penalty area, sealed France's progression and ended African dreams of a first World Cup final. The goal's construction showcased Mbappe's individual brilliance: his acceleration past multiple defenders created the opportunity that Kolo Muani, a substitute, converted with the composure that tournament football demands. Morocco's players collapsed in disappointment, their historic run concluding against opponents whose clinical finishing proved decisive. The post-match scenes showed French celebration mixed with Moroccan pride. Regragui's side had achieved something unprecedented in African football history, their journey inspiring a continent and demonstrating that the gap between traditional powers and emerging nations continues to narrow.