Mbappé Penalty Controversies and VAR Delays in France-Morocco World Cup Match
During the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal between France and Morocco, Kylian Mbappé was involved in multiple penalty controversies. In one incident, VAR analysis suggested he dived before contact, while in another, a three-minute VAR delay preceded his saved penalty. Critics, including Erling Haaland, condemned the lengthy review. The events sparked debate over VAR’s consistency and impact on match flow.
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Former Moroccan International Nabil Dirar Loses Temper Over VAR in France-Morocco Match
The article reports on controversy surrounding VAR decisions during the France vs. Morocco World Cup match on July 10, 2026. Former Moroccan international Nabil Dirar posted an expletive-laden criticism on Instagram, saying 'I f*ck the VAR and your two-bit rules, you disgust me FIFA,' after a handball by Adrien Rabiot was not penalized before Kylian Mbappé's goal. Earlier, Erling Haaland had also criticized the VAR delay of 3 minutes 11 seconds in confirming a French penalty, which Mbappé missed. The match ended 2-0 in favor of France.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertKylian Mbappe blames VAR delay for penalty miss in France's World Cup win over Morocco
Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty in France's 2-0 World Cup quarter-final victory over Morocco on July 10, 2026, after being forced to wait over three minutes for a VAR review. The delay, which referee Facundo Tello initiated, caused Mbappe to lose focus and reset his run-up multiple times. He eventually rolled a weak penalty to the right, easily saved by goalkeeper Yassine Bono. ITV commentator Ally McCoist called the wait 'absolute nonsense' but said Mbappe should take responsibility. Post-match, Mbappe explained the confusing mix-up: the referee first signaled a penalty, then indicated it might be overturned, disrupting his concentration. The miss ended France's streak of 15 consecutive successful penalties and was Mbappe's first World Cup penalty failure. Despite the miss, France advanced to the semi-finals for the third consecutive World Cup, with goals from Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
Mirror - FootballFrance-Morocco: Analysis of Rabiot Handball Claim Before Mbappé's World Cup Goal
During the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal between France and Morocco, Kylian Mbappé scored the opening goal in the 60th minute, leading France to a 2-0 victory. Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi claimed there was a handball by Adrien Rabiot at the start of the move. The VAR reviewed the incident but did not call the referee to review, ultimately validating the goal. Analysis suggests the ball may have touched Rabiot's hand after bouncing off his foot, but under IFAB Law 12, unintentional handball by a player who does not score is not penalizable. The broadcast did not show clear replays, leaving some ambiguity. The article explores whether the handball was intentional and whether VAR correctly applied the rules.
Home Football - actualitésDaniel Riolo Exasperated by Kylian Mbappé's Penalty Run-Up in France-Morocco World Cup Quarterfinal
Daniel Riolo, a columnist for L'After Foot on RMC Sport, strongly criticized Kylian Mbappé's run-up during a missed penalty in the World Cup quarterfinal between France and Morocco on July 9, 2026. Mbappé's penalty was saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in the 28th minute. Riolo argued that Mbappé's pause during the run-up was 'useless' and reduced his chances of scoring, calling it a trend that weakens the strike. Mbappé later explained he was unsettled by the referee's hesitation over whether the penalty was valid, admitting he 'let himself get distracted.' Riolo dismissed this excuse, insisting the run-up itself was flawed and lowered Mbappé's safety margin. France won the match 2-0 to advance to the semifinals.
Home Football - actualités2026 World Cup: VAR Takes Over 3 Minutes to Review Mbappé's Penalty
During the 2026 World Cup quarter-final between France and Morocco, a penalty awarded to France after a foul by Mazraoui on Mbappé led to an unusually long VAR review lasting 3 minutes and 11 seconds. The review examined the tackle and a prior intervention by Désiré Doué on Achraf Hakimi, which was deemed legal. During the delay, Dembélé protected the penalty spot, but Mbappé eventually took the shot and missed, with Moroccan goalkeeper Bounou saving it. The incident drew criticism from Erling Haaland. Despite the missed penalty, France won the match 2-0 and advanced to the semi-finals.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertHandball Controversy Surrounds Mbappé's Opening Goal Against Morocco
During the World Cup quarterfinal between France and Morocco, Kylian Mbappé's opening goal in the 60th minute sparked controversy as Moroccan players claimed a handball by French midfielder Adrien Rabiot in the buildup. Morocco's Mohamed Ouahbi stated that some players stopped due to the perceived handball. The VAR reviewed the goal but did not find conclusive evidence of a handball, and the images released were insufficient to determine the incident. Earlier in the match, Mbappé missed a penalty in the 28th minute after a foul on Mazraoui, which was also checked by VAR for a potential foul on Achraf Hakimi. France won 2-0. French coach Didier Deschamps revealed he spoke with referee Facundo Tello, who initially confirmed the penalty before VAR called for a second check.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuDeschamps Agrees with Haaland: Mbappé's Penalty Took Too Long
France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals for the third consecutive time. Kylian Mbappé scored a goal but also missed a penalty in the first half. After the match, coach Didier Deschamps agreed with Erling Haaland's earlier criticism that Mbappé's penalty took too long to be taken. Deschamps noted that a VAR check and another call delayed the kick by nearly two minutes, causing frustration for the player. He emphasized that the team's main task remained winning the match. The article was published on July 10, 2026.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuMorocco Coach Questions Mbappé Goal Over Possible Handball in World Cup Quarterfinal
Following France's 2-0 victory over Morocco in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal, Morocco's national coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed doubts about Kylian Mbappé's opening goal. The controversy centers on a 60th-minute incident where the ball may have struck France's Adrien Rabiot on the arm after a duel with Brahim Diaz. Several Moroccan players stopped playing to protest, but referee Facundo Tello allowed play to continue. Thirteen seconds later, Mbappé scored from a cross. Ouahbi acknowledged the goal was a brilliant individual effort but questioned why VAR did not review the potential handball. He also urged his team to build a stronger squad for future tournaments. The match was a replay of the 2022 World Cup semifinal, which France also won 2-0.
BILD - SportMbappé recounts VAR confusion over missed penalty in France-Morocco World Cup quarterfinal
In the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal between France and Morocco, Kylian Mbappé missed a penalty after a prolonged VAR review caused confusion. The referee initially confirmed the penalty, then told Mbappé to wait for a check on an earlier action, leading to a three-minute delay. Mbappé admitted the distraction affected his concentration, calling it part of 'new football' with VAR. Despite the miss, he later scored the opening goal, helping France win 2-0 and advance to the semifinals. The article highlights the evolving role of technology in football and its psychological impact on players.
Home Football - actualitésMbappé on Missed Penalty: 'I Let Myself Get Distracted'
France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals for the third consecutive time. Kylian Mbappé scored one goal and assisted another, but also missed a first-half penalty. After the match, Mbappé explained that he was distracted by the referee's changing decisions regarding a VAR review. The referee initially signaled a penalty, then told Mbappé it was not a penalty, and later said they needed to check an earlier action. Mbappé admitted he let himself get distracted and noted that players must adapt to the new football with VAR. France's captain and all-time top scorer (64 goals in 104 appearances) described the incident as 'a mix-up.'
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuFrance 2-0 Morocco: Mbappé Recounts His Missed Penalty and VAR Confusion
In a World Cup match on July 9-10, 2026, France defeated Morocco 2-0 to advance to the semi-finals. The match featured a controversial penalty incident involving Kylian Mbappé. A penalty was awarded to France, followed by a VAR check that caused confusion. The referee initially asked Mbappé to wait, then validated the penalty, but the shot was ultimately saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Mbappé later commented, 'I didn't see that scenario coming,' reflecting on the unusual sequence. The article also includes related video content and analysis from RMC Sport, including evaluations of the French team and commentary on the match's key moments.
Home Football - actualitésErling Haaland criticizes Kylian Mbappe's penalty delay; Mbappe scores in France win
During the 2026 World Cup quarter-final between France and Morocco, Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty after a lengthy delay of over three minutes due to a VAR check. Erling Haaland, a rival for the Golden Boot, commented on Snapchat that waiting five minutes to take a penalty is too long. Despite the miss, Mbappe scored a superb curling goal in the second half, and Ousmane Dembele added another to secure a 2-0 victory for France, advancing them to the semi-finals. Pundits including Roy Keane also criticized the delay as unfair to the striker. France will face the winner of Spain vs Belgium in the semi-final.
Mirror - FootballL'Équipe Rates Argentine Referee Tello 6/10 for France vs Morocco World Cup Quarterfinal
French sports newspaper L'Équipe assessed Argentine referee Facundo Tello's performance in the World Cup quarterfinal between France and Morocco, giving him a score of 6 out of 10. The match, which France won 2-0 with a goal and assist from Kylian Mbappé, featured a controversial penalty awarded to France after a 3-minute-11-second VAR delay. Mbappé missed the penalty, leading to frustration from players and coach Didier Deschamps. Tello, officiating his third match of the tournament, generally controlled the game and issued a yellow card to Issa Diop for a foul on Mbappé. However, L'Équipe noted a mistaken goal kick call instead of a corner for Digne's shot and criticized the stoppage time (5 minutes first half, 6 minutes second half) as insufficient given interruptions and water breaks. Overall, the referee was deemed to have met tournament standards.
虎扑 - 足球Argentine Referee Tello Praised for France-Morocco Quarterfinal Performance Despite Penalty Delay
Argentine referee Facundo Tello received a rating of 6 from L'Équipe for his officiating in the France-Morocco quarterfinal match. The main controversy was a 3-minute-11-second delay before allowing Kylian Mbappé to take a penalty, caused by VAR checks and Tello's insistence on proper ball placement and no encroachment. Mbappé missed the penalty and expressed anger, while coach Didier Deschamps called the situation 'bizarre.' Tello kept players in check, issued a yellow card to Issa Diop for a foul on Mbappé, and generally allowed play to flow per FIFA instructions. Minor errors included missed corner calls, and some felt added time (5+6 minutes) was insufficient given stoppages. Overall, the Argentine referee was deemed to have risen to the occasion.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuRoy Keane Criticizes Three-Minute Penalty Delay for Mbappé as Unfair
In the World Cup quarterfinal between France and Morocco, Kylian Mbappé was forced to wait 3 minutes and 12 seconds before taking a penalty kick, which he ultimately missed. The delay was caused by a VAR check and the referee asking Mbappé to reposition the ball. Manchester United legend Roy Keane criticized the process on ITV, stating it was unfair to the penalty taker under high pressure. Arsenal legend Ian Wright agreed, noting that long waits cause doubt and give goalkeepers an advantage. Despite the miss, Mbappé recovered in the second half, scoring a brilliant long-range goal and assisting Dembélé to lead France to victory. The match was held in Boston, with Argentine referee Facundo Tello officiating.
虎扑 - 足球Mbappé Unhappy with Long Penalty Wait, Demands Referee Explanation After Miss
In a match between France and Morocco, Kylian Mbappé won a penalty in the 25th minute after being fouled by Mazraoui. However, the penalty was delayed for several minutes due to VAR checks and referee instructions. Mbappé expressed dissatisfaction with the wait, and after his weak low shot was saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Bounou, he twice approached the referee for an explanation. Bounou, known as a penalty specialist, has saved four of nine World Cup penalties faced, conceding only twice. The incident highlights the psychological pressure of penalty-taking and the impact of procedural delays.
虎扑 - 足球World Cup: Kylian Mbappé's 3-Minute Wait Before Missed Penalty Against Morocco
During the World Cup quarterfinal between France and Morocco, Kylian Mbappé experienced an unusually long delay of 3 minutes and 11 seconds before taking a penalty. The delay was caused by a VAR check reviewing the entire play, including a potential foul by Désiré Doué on Achraf Hakimi. Mbappé also had to reposition the ball on the penalty spot. When he finally shot, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved the penalty to his left. This was Mbappé's second missed penalty in 16 attempts for France, with his previous miss dating back to 2021 against Kazakhstan. Despite the lengthy stoppage and a hydration break, Argentine referee Facundo Tello added only five minutes of stoppage time in the first half. Mbappé was seen complaining to the referee after the miss.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuErling Haaland Criticizes Refereeing Over Long Penalty Wait in France-Morocco Match
During a World Cup match between France and Morocco on July 9, 2026, France's Kylian Mbappé won a penalty in the 28th minute but saw his spot-kick saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The delay between the penalty being awarded and the kick being taken was approximately three minutes, as officials reviewed the decision via VAR. Norwegian striker Erling Haaland took to Snapchat to criticize the refereeing, stating that waiting '5 minutes' for a penalty is 'way too long.' The article highlights Haaland's complaint about the lack of responsiveness from the officiating team, which he believes disadvantages the penalty taker. The match was part of the 2026 World Cup, and the article also references other related content such as Mbappé's missed penalty and France's pressure on Morocco.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertVAR Controversy: Mbappé Waits Over Three Minutes for Penalty, Misses Against Morocco
In a World Cup quarterfinal match between France and Morocco, Kylian Mbappé was awarded a clear penalty after being fouled by Noussair Mazraoui. However, due to an inexplicable VAR review by referee Facundo Tello and video assistant Tatiana Guzmán—who previously played a role in Germany's World Cup exit—Mbappé had to wait over three minutes before taking the spot kick. The delay was compounded by Moroccan players receiving treatment and Issa Diop speaking to Ousmane Dembélé with a hand over his mouth, which should have resulted in a red card under new rules. ARD expert Bastian Schweinsteiger criticized the handling as a 'joke.' The prolonged wait visibly affected Mbappé, who hesitated and weakly shot the ball into the right corner, allowing Morocco goalkeeper Bono to save the penalty.
Nachrichten - WELTVAR Controversy: Mbappé Waits Over Three Minutes for Penalty, Misses Against Morocco
During the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal between France and Morocco, Kylian Mbappé was awarded a clear penalty after being tripped by Noussair Mazraoui. However, a lengthy VAR review lasting over three minutes delayed the spot kick, with referee Facundo Tello and VAR official Tatiana Guzmán—previously involved in Germany's controversial exit—at the center of the delay. Moroccan players also contributed to the disruption through simulated injury and unauthorized communication. The prolonged wait visibly affected Mbappé, who weakly shot the penalty to the right, allowing goalkeeper Bono to save it. Experts Bastian Schweinsteiger and Jürgen Klopp criticized the delay, with Klopp sarcastically suggesting a 'bathroom break' in the VAR room. The incident reignited debate over VAR's impact on match flow and player psychology.
Nachrichten - WELT