France and Morocco played a nil‑nil opening period in their World Cup 2026 quarter‑final. France came close right at the start after a spot‑kick was given, with Kylian Mbappé taking the spot only for the ball struck the post. The Moroccans stayed tight all through the period. The goalless spell raised tension on both sides. Referee Facundo Tello blowed many whistles, a reputation already tarnished from earlier games. French fans shouted more fiercely after the missed penalty. Both teams walk off the pitch goal‑free. A tightly contested second half appears probable. Millions are glued to their screens from living rooms across the globe.