Megan Rapinoe scored a goal in each half for the US at Parc des Princes in Paris and although Wendie Renard's late header gave France hope, it ultimately proved in vain.

The US, who have never failed to reach the FIFA Women's World Cup semi-finals, will face England in Lyon on Tuesday (July 2).

The result also means there will be a Britain women's team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

This is due to the fact that England are guaranteed to be one of the top three European teams at the tournament.

Rapinoe's first goal came from a low free-kick in the fifth minute that went through the legs of France captain Amandine Henry and into the net.

The second was a side-footed finish midway through the second half after she had been picked out unmarked by Tobin Heath.

Renard halved the deficit in the 81st minute and France then had a penalty shout when Amel Majri's cross hit Kelley O'Hara's arm, only for it to be waved away by Ukrainian referee Kateryna Monzul.

The US held on for victory and moved a step closer to successfully defending their title.

Action in France is scheduled to continue tomorrow with the last two quarter-finals.

Italy face the Netherlands in Valenciennes before Germany go up against Sweden in Rennes.

The two winners will meet each other in Lyon in the second semi-final on Wednesday (July 3).