Mbappe breaks records as France defeat Morocco to reach World Cup last four

France booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals with a commanding 2-0 victory over Morocco, as second-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele ended the Atlas Lions’ impressive run in the tournament.

The victory sends Didier Deschamps’ side into a third consecutive FIFA World Cup semi-final, underlining France’s status as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

Played in Massachusetts under sweltering conditions, with temperatures hovering around 32 degrees Celsius, the quarter-final began with France immediately asserting control. Les Bleus dominated possession and created the first clear chances through Mbappe and Dayot Upamecano, forcing Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into early saves.

Despite the early pressure, Morocco gradually settled into the contest. Led by Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui and a disciplined defensive line, the Atlas Lions frustrated the French attack while looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. However, they struggled to create meaningful chances against goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

France continued to press and came close midway through the first half when Adrien Rabiot headed over from close range after a corner. Moments later, the defending champions were handed a golden opportunity after Mazraoui brought down Mbappe inside the penalty area following a swift counterattack.

After a lengthy VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot, but Mbappe failed to capitalise. His 28th-minute penalty lacked conviction and was comfortably saved by Bounou, who once again demonstrated why he remains one of the tournament’s standout goalkeepers.

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France refused to let the missed penalty affect their rhythm. Ousmane Dembele curled an effort narrowly wide before Desire Doue tested Bounou with a low drive. Just before halftime, Lucas Digne came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock when his powerful strike rattled the crossbar.

The teams headed into the interval locked at 0-0, with Morocco encouraged by their resilience and France left to reflect on a missed opportunity.

The second half began cautiously before France’s superior quality eventually told.

In the 60th minute, Mbappe picked up possession on the left edge of the penalty area, cut inside and curled a magnificent right-footed effort beyond the fully stretched Bounou into the far corner to give France a deserved lead.

Morocco appealed for a possible handball in the build-up, but after another VAR review, the goal was allowed to stand.

Just six minutes later, France doubled their advantage. Dembele drove forward through midfield before unleashing a low shot from outside the box. Although Bounou got a hand to the effort, he could not prevent the ball from finding the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

The quick double dealt a major blow to Morocco’s hopes of staging a comeback.

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi responded with attacking substitutions, introducing Sofyan Amrabat and Abderrazak Hamdallah, but France remained composed and organised defensively.

Morocco enjoyed more possession during the closing stages but found few clear openings. Azzedine Ounahi finally forced Mike Maignan into a save late in the game, while Neil El Aynaoui headed into the side netting from a Hakimi cross, but France comfortably protected their lead.

There was a brief injury concern when Mbappe received treatment after taking a knock in the 76th minute. The France captain was later substituted as a precaution and left the field smiling, easing fears over his availability for the semi-final.

France nearly added a third goal when Bradley Barcola was denied by Bounou before substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta headed over from the resulting corner.

At the final whistle, France celebrated another disciplined knockout victory that extended their remarkable World Cup record.

The result means Les Bleus have now reached the FIFA World Cup semi-finals for the third consecutive tournament while maintaining clean sheets in all three knockout matches at the 2026 finals.

The evening also marked another milestone for Kylian Mbappe, who became the youngest player to reach 20 FIFA World Cup appearances and equalled Lionel Messi’s tournament-leading tally of eight goals at the 2026 World Cup. He also matched Hugo Lloris’ record for the most World Cup appearances by a French player.

Speaking after the match, France coach Didier Deschamps praised his team’s resilience, saying their progress was built on “unshakeable belief” despite the first-half penalty miss.

Morocco, meanwhile, bowed out with pride after another memorable World Cup campaign. Although the Atlas Lions failed to register a shot on target until the closing stages, their run to the quarter-finals further reinforced the nation’s growing reputation on the global football stage ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

France will now face the winner of the quarter-final between Spain and Belgium as they continue their pursuit of another World Cup title.

Mbappe breaks records as France defeat Morocco to reach World Cup last four

US prosecutors, FBI investigate Argentine FA over alleged money laundering, fraud

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is facing growing scrutiny after US federal prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) launched a preliminary investigation into its financial activities in the United States over allegations of possible money laundering, bank fraud, and other financial crimes.

According to reports by Argentine media outlet La Nación, investigators are examining whether hundreds of millions of dollars linked to the AFA’s international commercial operations were improperly routed through the US banking system in violation of American financial laws.

The investigation, which reportedly began taking shape in 2025, is being led by officials from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) alongside FBI agents. Authorities are gathering evidence and interviewing individuals with direct knowledge of the football body’s financial dealings in the United States.

At the centre of the probe are transactions conducted during the leadership of AFA President Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia and senior executive Pablo Toviggino, as investigators seek to determine whether any of the association’s commercial activities breached US regulations governing financial transparency and anti-money laundering compliance.

One of the individuals reportedly questioned by investigators is businessman Guillermo Tofoni, who is said to have participated in a three-hour virtual interview with federal prosecutors and FBI officials based in Washington, D.C., and Miami. While Tofoni has neither confirmed nor denied the meeting, reports indicate that US authorities are seeking testimony from people familiar with the management of the AFA’s international revenues and sponsorship arrangements.

Investigators are paying particular attention to TourProdEnter LLC, a Florida-based company owned by theatre producer Javier Faroni, which reportedly handled the collection of payments from several of the AFA’s international commercial agreements.

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According to documents reviewed by Argentine media, the company managed at least $260 million in revenue generated through sponsorships, broadcasting agreements, and other overseas commercial partnerships. Authorities are tracing how those funds moved through major US financial institutions, including Citibank, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, PNC Bank, and Synovus Bank, to determine whether all transactions complied with federal financial regulations.

Reports claim that while a significant portion of the funds can be linked to legitimate football and business activities, investigators are examining approximately $57 million that was allegedly transferred to various companies and beneficiaries whose economic purpose remains unclear based on available documentation. Some of the transactions under review reportedly involved companies linked to Toviggino and members of his family. However, these allegations remain unproven, and no legal findings have been made against any individual or organisation involved.

The investigation is also examining how revenue from major international sponsorship agreements was processed through the US financial system. Among the commercial partnerships reportedly under review are contracts involving global brands and media companies that have commercial relationships with Argentine football. Prosecutors are seeking to establish whether the movement of funds through US-based entities and banking institutions complied with federal laws governing financial reporting, transparency, and anti-money laundering measures.

Reports further indicate that US authorities are considering interviewing former Argentine government officials who may have had oversight of, or knowledge about, aspects of the AFA’s international operations. Investigators are expected to continue collecting banking records, corporate filings, and witness testimony as part of the preliminary inquiry.

Despite the growing attention surrounding the case, it is important to note that no criminal charges have been filed against the Argentine Football Association, its executives, or TourProdEnter LLC. The investigation remains in its early stages, and US authorities have not publicly accused any individual of wrongdoing.

The US Department of Justice and the FBI have not issued detailed public comments on the matter, while the AFA has emphasised the principle of the presumption of innocence, maintaining that investigative actions do not amount to proof of criminal conduct.

The development comes at a crucial period for Argentine football as the country’s national team continues its campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing international attention both on and off the pitch.

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US prosecutors, FBI investigate Argentine FA over alleged money laundering, fraud

Argentina rally from two goals down to knock Egypt out of World Cup

Argentina produced a stunning second-half comeback from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after a pulsating Round of 16 clash on Tuesday.

The reigning world champions looked on the brink of a shock exit after Egypt established a commanding two-goal lead, but Lionel Scaloni’s side mounted a remarkable late rally to keep their title defence alive.

Egypt made a dream start to the contest, taking the lead in the 15th minute through Ibrahim, who rose highest to meet Attia’s cross from a recycled corner. His powerful header beat goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and nestled into the top corner, sending Egyptian fans into celebration.

Argentina had an immediate opportunity to restore parity six minutes later when Nicolas Tagliafico was brought down inside the penalty area by Hassan.

However, Lionel Messi failed to capitalise from the penalty spot, with Egyptian goalkeeper Shobeir diving the right way to produce an excellent save.

The miss also saw Messi enter the World Cup record books for an unwanted reason, becoming the first player to miss two penalties at a single FIFA World Cup, having also failed to convert from the spot during Argentina’s group-stage victory over Austria.

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Despite dominating possession for much of the opening half, Argentina struggled to break down Egypt’s disciplined defence.

Messi came close with a curling free-kick that struck the outside of the post, while Julian Alvarez was denied by another outstanding save from Shobeir as Egypt carried their slender advantage into the halftime break.

Egypt doubled their lead in the 67th minute following a swift counterattack.

Mohamed Salah initiated the move before releasing Hassan down the flank. Hassan delivered a low cross into the penalty area, where Zico arrived to calmly finish from close range, leaving Argentina staring at an early exit.

With their World Cup campaign hanging in the balance, Argentina responded with renewed urgency and intensity.

Their comeback began in the 79th minute when defender Cristian Romero powered home Messi’s corner kick. Although Shobeir managed to get a hand to the ball, he could not prevent it from crossing the line, reducing the deficit to 2-1.

Just four minutes later, Messi redeemed himself for his earlier penalty miss.

After Lautaro Martinez intelligently hooked the ball into his path following Julian Alvarez’s cushioned pass, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner fired an emphatic finish beyond Shobeir to restore parity and ignite jubilant celebrations among the Argentine supporters.

Argentina completed the dramatic turnaround deep into stoppage time.

Moments after Egypt failed to take advantage of a promising counterattack, the South Americans surged forward once again. Fernandez met a cross with a thunderous header that flew into the top corner in the 92nd minute, completing a remarkable comeback and giving Argentina a 3-2 lead.

Egyptian players and officials immediately protested, claiming Alexis Mac Allister had fouled Fathy during the build-up to the winning goal.

The referee allowed play to continue, and after the goal was awarded, tensions flared on the touchline. Goalkeeper Shobeir received a yellow card for dissent, while a member of Egypt’s coaching staff was sent off following the heated exchanges.

Argentina were forced to withstand sustained pressure during 11 minutes of added time as Egypt desperately searched for an equaliser.

The South Americans defended resolutely to preserve their narrow advantage and secure a memorable victory that sends them into the World Cup quarter-finals.

For Argentina, the comeback demonstrated the resilience and experience that have defined their recent success on the global stage, while Egypt exited the tournament with pride after producing a spirited performance that came agonisingly close to one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.

Argentina rally from two goals down to knock Egypt out of World Cup