A 51st-minute Samuel Umtiti header has sent France into the World Cup final with a 1-0 win over Belgium in a tight first semi-final at St Petersburg.
The result means Didier Deschamps' side will face either England or Croatia on Monday morning (NZT) in Moscow, as the 1998 champions look to lift the trophy for a second time.
Umtiti's goal broke the deadlock in an enthralling game where you could cut the tension with a knife.
In a tournament flooded with set-piece goals, Antoine Griezmann's corner found the head of Umtiti, who beat Belgium's Marouane Fellaini to the ball, powering past the outstanding Thibaut Courtois in the 'Red Devils' goal.
Belgium had controlled a majority of the first-half, as the French were happy to sit back and counter-attack, eliminating the opposing counter-attacking threat of English Premier League duo Kevin Du Bruyne and Eden Hazard.
The first real opening of the game came in the 16th minute, when Hazard, set free by Du Bruyne, shot just wide of Hugo Loris' far post.
A Belgium corner midway through the first half brought the best chance of the game for Roberto Martinez's side, as Toby Alderweireld pounced on a loose ball inside the box. But his left-footed shot was palmed away by clubmate Loris.
The French goalkeeper was outstanding for the duration, repelling countless Belgium attacks with his steady hands.
France finished the stronger in the first stanza, with late chances to Oliver Giroud and Benjamin Pavard, whose low shot was deflected wide by the outstretched leg of Courtois.
The French continued to boss the opening minutes of the second spell and capitalised on their dominance when Umtiti scored with a near-post header.
Belgium pushed hard for an equaliser, with Fellaini going close with a header at the hour mark, but their best chance came from long range, when Alex Witsel powered a shot towards goal from 30 yards that Loris managed to push wide.
The French hung on in the dying stages and could have extended their lead in stoppage time, with both Griezmann and replacement midfielder Corentin Tolisso wasting opportunities.
The second semi-final will take place on Thursday morning (NZT) in Moscow.
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