2026 World Cup: Bounou shines again on penalty

Despite Morocco’s elimination by France (2-0) in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, Yassine Bounou once again made a strong impression. The Lions of the Atlas goalkeeper stopped a penalty from Kylian Mbappé and confirmed his reputation as a specialist in the discipline.

Bounou keeps Morocco alive against France

On July 9, 2026, in Foxborough, Morocco held out for a long time against Les Bleus thanks to their goalkeeper. Bounou repelled several French attempts before saving Mbappé’s penalty in the 28th minute, according to the official FIFA match report and data reported by L’Équipe.

France finally broke the deadlock in the second half. Mbappé scored in the 59th minute, then Ousmane Dembélé doubled the lead seven minutes later. Morocco exited the tournament in the quarter-finals, but Bounou’s performance spared the Lions of the Atlas from a heavier defeat.

Four penalties saved in the World Cup

According to Opta, cited by L’Équipe on July 9, 2026, the save against Mbappé was Bounou’s fourth in the World Cup, including penalty shootouts. He thus matches the best total recorded by any goalkeeper in the competition.

Of the nine penalties he has faced at the World Cup, shootouts included, only two have been scored: Bounou has saved four, and three other attempts missed the target. This tally combines penalties taken during matches and those during shootouts; it should therefore not be confused with the FIFA record, which covers only shootouts.

From Spain in 2022 to Mbappé in 2026

Bounou’s reputation was built at the highest level. During the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup against Spain, he saved the penalty kicks of Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets, while Pablo Sarabia hit the post. Morocco reached the quarter-finals for the first time in its history on that occasion.

In 2023, the Moroccan goalkeeper also saved two shots from AS Roma in the Europa League final won by Sevilla. Named Man of the Match by UEFA, he once again turned a penalty shootout into a display of composure and anticipation. Now under contract with Al-Hilal until 2028, Bounou remains one of the leaders of Morocco.