World Cup

Bounou blocks the penalty again — Mbappé misses in the quarter of the

11 July 2026·4 min read·Manuel Ángel Gómez
Bounou blocks the penalty again — Mbappé misses in the quarter of the

A huge chance for Kylian Mbappé to get closer to important records in World Cup history was squandered when Yassine Bounou saved him from a penalty in the first half of the FIFA quarter

Bounou blocks the penalty again — Mbappé misses in the quarter of

According to Vi.

Context

Kylian Mbappé, who currently plays for Real Madrid, is one of Francia's main stars and is expected to be key to their journey to the World Cup 2026. His fight with Yassine Bounou, known as the penalty killer, provided a dramatic scene in the quarterfinals, proving the ability of goalkeepers to affect the outcome of matches.

Why it matters

Yassine Bounou's block of Kylian Mbappé's penalty highlighted the importance of goalkeepers in crucial World Cup 2026 football matches. Mbappé's failure to score delayed his chance to score a 20th World Cup goal, a milestone fans and pundits were surely hoping for. Such moments can change the course of the game and increase the tension in the later parts of the tournament.

Key Points

  • Bounou blocks the penalty again — Mbappé misses in the quarter of.
  • Kylian Mbappé was unmarked from the penalty spot in the first half of the quarter against Morocco after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved; his quest for a 20th World Cup goal was delayed.
  • Kylian Mbappé remains central to Francia's plans.
A big chance for Kylian Mbappé to get closer to important records in World Cup history was squandered when Yassine Bounou saved him from a penalty in the first half of the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Morocco. The chance started as France made a quick run before the first water break, when Michael Olise caught Mbappé on the attack and tripped after Noussair Mazraoui's chase—a move that was ruled out by the referee and recommended for VAR review. After a lengthy VAR review, Mbappé was given the chance to take the penalty. Facing the goal, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou stole the attention of the entire stadium. From Mbappé's point of view, he settled to the right, but Bounou hit his end and the ball was saved. Because of this, Mbappé did not fulfill his chance to raise his total goals in the World Cup to twenty. This attempt by Mbappé, who currently plays for Real Madrid, also showed the weight of the moment: it took him a long time to shoot the penalty because of the VAR-check, which added tension and encouraged deep thinking before the correction.
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Bounou, already known as the penalty killer of this tournament, had previously been a hindrance to the Netherlands team going into the penalty shootout in the round of 16. The Moroccan proved once again that Bounou is capable of providing a critical stop at the most important moments, and now added one of his giant moments against France. It's not just a personal loss for Mbappé — it's also a big part of the dynamic of the whole match and the confidence cycle. A miss from the penalty spot at this level of competition often has an impact on the course of the game and the mindset of both teams. As the match continues and both teams face the rest of the quarterfinal, Bounou's save and Mbappé's delayed goal of his 20th World Cup goal will remain the talk of the tournament. This scene is yet another testament to how quickly momentum can change at the World Cup — and how a few seconds can change the history of a game. Image: Yassine Bounou stopping Kylian Mbappé's penalty attempt (image credit).

What's next

Despite losing on penalties, Mbappé is expected to continue to be a key player for Francia in their next World Cup 2026 matches. His ability to recover from mistakes will test his character and determination. Meanwhile, Bounou will continue to be an important part of Marokko's defense, especially in the upcoming challenges of the tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this penalty important for Kylian Mbappé?

The penalty was important for Kylian Mbappé as it was an opportunity to bring him closer to important records in World Cup history, specifically increasing his World Cup goals total to twenty.

Who blocked Mbappé's penalty?

The one who blocked Mbappé's penalty was Yassine Bounou, the Marokko goalkeeper.

What happened before the penalty was awarded to Mbappé?

Before the penalty was awarded to Mbappé, Michael Olise had a fall after chasing Noussair Mazraoui, which was cleared by the referee and recommended to be reviewed by VAR.

What effect did VAR have on Mbappé's penalty?

VAR added to the tension and encouraged Mbappé to think deeply before his penalty kick.

What was the role of Yassine Bounou in the World Cup 2026?

Yassine Bounou is known as a penalty killer in the World Cup 2026, and he was he excelled in his ability to save penalties, including his stop on Mbappé's penalty.

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Mga Madalas na Itanong

Why is this penalty important for Kylian Mbappé?
The penalty was important for Kylian Mbappé as it was an opportunity to bring him closer to important records in World Cup history, specifically increasing his World Cup goals total to twenty.
Who blocked Mbappé's penalty?
Mbappé's penalty was blocked by Yassine Bounou, Morocco's goalkeeper.
What happened before the penalty was given to Mbappé?
Before the penalty was awarded to Mbappé, Michael Olise had a fall after chasing Noussair Mazraoui, which was cleared by the referee and recommended to be reviewed by VAR.
What effect did VAR have on Mbappé's penalty?
The VAR added to the tension and encouraged Mbappé to think deeply before his penalty kick.
What role has Yassine Bounou played in the World Cup 2026?
Yassine Bounou is known as a penalty killer at the World Cup 2026, and he has proven his ability to save penalties, including his stop on Mbappé's penalty.
World Cup 2026Mundial 2026FranciaMarokkoLa TriSelección de EcuadorReal MadridKylian MbappéYassine Bounou

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