The French national team secured a 2-0 victory over Morocco on Thursday night in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals. After the match, Ousmane Dembélé—the 29-year-old forward for Paris Saint-Germain and Les Bleus—spoke to broadcaster M6.
Dembélé: “I’ve been with the French national team for 10 years; I’m one of the veterans.”
How do you feel after qualifying?
We’re very happy. We’re in the final four; it’s our third consecutive semi-final with the French team. It’s exceptional. We’re going to stay focused so we can go all the way.
You’re a leader on the pitch—a killer—with a refusal to ever give up?
Exactly. I’ve been with the French national team for 10 years; I’m one of the veterans. You have to make your voice heard and stay focused on the match. Morocco is a tough team. We stayed focused and were rewarded with those two goals.
Dembélé: “We try to come back down to earth after a match like this and stay focused on what’s next.”
Can you talk us through your goal?
A few minutes earlier, Kylian told me to stay central so I could launch a counter-attack. That’s what happened, and he made a great run to open up space for me. I saw I was open and tried to get the shot on target—it worked out for me.
You seem reserved with your emotions, rather than letting loose?
We’re happy, but we try to come back down to earth after a match like this and stay focused on what’s next.
