Analysis account backs referee decision on Mbappe goal in France's win over Morocco

France advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup after a 2-0 quarterfinal victory over Morocco. The opening goal by Kylian Mbappe sparked debate over whether the ball struck the hand of midfielder Adrien Rabiot before reaching the French captain. Archivo VAR, an account that focuses on referee analysis, said the goal complied with the Laws of the Game and that the video assistant referee protocol did not require intervention. The account stated the ball first struck Rabiot's foot before brushing his hand, and that the contact was unintentional. Because the handball was not deliberate and the goalscorer was not the player who handled the ball, the VAR protocol did not permit review of the incident, according to the analysis. Refereeing experts assessed that the on-field decision to award the goal was consistent with International Football Association Board rules. In the same match, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved a Mbappe penalty but could not prevent France from progressing.