Jean-Philippe Mateta came on for Kylian Mbappe as France beat Morocco 2-0 to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
The Crystal Palace striker replaced France’s captain late in the quarter-final win, giving him another appearance on the biggest stage.
France advanced through second-half goals from Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, with The Guardian’s live report confirming their place in the last four.
For Mateta, the cameo adds another useful line to a strong international summer. For Palace, it means Pierre Sage must keep waiting for one of his key forwards.
ReadCrystalPalace recently covered how France’s World Cup progress had already delayed Mateta’s Palace return, with Sage facing a staggered pre-season at Copers Cope.
Mateta Delay Gives Sage A Planning Issue
Mateta’s role with France has been limited, but his tournament has still carried value. He has trained in an elite squad, worked under Didier Deschamps and earned knockout-stage minutes behind one of world football’s biggest names.
Palace will welcome that visibility, especially after Mateta’s rise under Oliver Glasner became such a major part of last season’s attacking identity.
The complication sits in the calendar. France now play either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals on 14 July, so Mateta’s return will come later than many of Palace’s early pre-season group.
Sage needs time to build attacking patterns with his main No.9. Mateta’s hold-up play, penalty-box movement and physical presence give Palace a clear reference point.
France’s run delays that work, but it also underlines his status. Mateta is no fringe Palace figure anymore. He will return to south London as a World Cup semi-finalist with a big part to play.
