Kylian Mbappe missed the chance to put France ahead as he was spared a penalty against Morocco in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final in Boston on Thursday.
The incident happened just before the hydration break when Noussair Mazraoui brought down Mbappé in the penalty area. Argentinian referee Facundo Tello immediately pointed to the spot, but then waited to confirm his decision after discussions with the Video Assistant Referee.
The VAR, also Argentinian Hernan Mastrangelo, had an extensive conversation with Tello and despite Mbappé having taken his position for the penalty, he had to wait three minutes and eleven seconds before the check was over.
The Real Madrid striker waited and then shot to the right, which was saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
The appointment of Tello and an entire Argentinian set of officials for this match – the first in FIFA World Cup 2026 – had sparked controversy among fans, due to the rivalry between Argentina and France, with the former winning and defeating the latter edition The Blues in the final.
But France coach Didier Deschamps had cleared the air and reassured that he was not concerned about appointments.
«I can’t do anything about referee appointments. I just try to have confidence in the referees,» Deschamps said. “I hope that Mr. Tello and his assistants will be as good as Mr. Letexier and his assistants,” Deschamps said.
«There are always decisions that can lead to discussion depending on which side you are on, but our opponents are Morocco. I cannot consider the referee as an opponent.»
Published on July 10, 2026
