The first goal scored by France captain Kylian Mbappé against Morocco in the quarterfinal match of the 2026 World Cup sparked refereeing controversy due to a handball by Adrien Rabiot at the start of the move that ended with the goal putting France ahead.

The account 'Archivo VAR', specialized in analyzing refereeing situations, settled the debate over the incident, confirming that the goal was valid and that there was no infringement requiring VAR intervention.

The account posted a question on platform 'X': 'Was the handball that preceded Mbappé's goal reviewable by VAR?'

And it answered definitively: 'No.'

It explained that Rabiot touched the ball with his hand after it first rebounded off his foot, considering that the touch was unintentional.

The account added that the laws of the game state that such situations are not subject to VAR review, as long as the touch was accidental and the player who handled the ball was not the one who scored the goal.

Accordingly, 'Archivo VAR' confirmed that Kylian Mbappé's goal against Morocco was legal, and that the referee's decision to allow it complied with the VAR protocol and FIFA laws.

⁉️💥 Is Rabiot's handball before Mbappé's goal reviewable?

✅ 𝗡𝗢.

👉🏻 The French player touches the ball with his hand after an initial rebound off his foot.

▪️ As it was an accidental handball by a player who does not end up scoring, it is not reviewable by VAR.

pic.twitter.com/aNoYSYfDO6

— Archivo VAR (@ArchivoVAR) July 9, 2026

France secured their qualification to the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup after defeating Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinal match, repeating the 'Roosters' dominance over the 'Atlas Lions' in World Cup knockout stages. The match saw a remarkable performance by Yassine Bounou, despite conceding two goals, as he saved a penalty from Kylian Mbappé.

Read also: 'Fake penalty'... accusations of cowardice against referees of Morocco vs France match