Morocco's dream of another historic FIFA World Cup run came to an end on Thursday night after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to France in their quarter-final clash at Boston Stadium.

The Atlas Lions, Africa's last remaining representatives in the tournament, were unable to replicate their memorable semi-final run from the 2022 World Cup as they struggled to match the intensity and quality of the French side.

France dominated proceedings throughout the encounter, registering 22 shots compared to Morocco's five, with the North Africans managing just one effort on target.

The first half remained goalless despite France creating the better chances. Les Bleus were awarded a penalty in the 27th minute after referee Facundo Tello pointed to the spot following a VAR review. However, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced a superb save, diving low to deny Kylian Mbappe and keep his side in the contest.

Mohamed Ouahbi's men maintained a disciplined defensive shape but offered little going forward, focusing primarily on frustrating the French attack.

Their resistance was finally broken early in the second half when Mbappe redeemed himself for his penalty miss. The French captain reacted quickest to a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area before curling a brilliant effort beyond Bounou to hand France a deserved lead.

France doubled their advantage just six minutes later as Ousmane Dembele capitalised on a moment of hesitation in Morocco's defence, calmly slotting home to leave the Atlas Lions with a mountain to climb.

Morocco struggled to respond and did not register a shot on target until the closing stages, when Azzedine Ounahi's long-range effort was comfortably collected by French goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

France were handed a brief injury scare in the 76th minute after Mbappe was forced off following a heavy challenge from Issa Diop. The forward was later seen applying an ice pack to his ankle while on the substitutes' bench.

The victory sends Didier Deschamps' side into the semi-finals, making France the first team to secure a place in the last four. They will face either Spain or Belgium in Arlington next Tuesday.

For Morocco, the defeat brings an end to another commendable World Cup campaign. Although they fell short of matching their historic 2022 achievement, the Atlas Lions once again finished as Africa's highest-performing team at the tournament.