Kylian Mbappe is responsible for France’s poor display against Spain in the World Cup semi-final
France captain Kylian Mbappe admitted Les Bleus have fallen well below the standards expected of them after their 2026 World Cup campaign ended with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Spain in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
Spain produced one of the performances of the tournament in Arlington, dominating possession, pressing relentlessly and leaving little space for the much-feared French attack as they booked their place in their first World Cup finals since lifting the trophy in 2010.
The European champions controlled the proceedings from the opening whistle, dictating the tempo and putting France on the back foot throughout the match. Mikel Oyarzabal broke the deadlock from the penalty spot after Lamine Yamal was fouled in the box, before Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s advantage just before the hour mark with an equalizing finish after combining with Dani Olmo.
Despite reaching the last four as one of the tournament favourites, France struggled to create meaningful opportunities. Spain’s organized pressing and compact shape repeatedly disrupted Didier Deschamps’ side, limiting Les Bleus to just two shots on target.
France vs Spain 2026 FIFA World Cup Semi Final: Highlighting | Message
MBAPPE ADMISSION
Mbappe acknowledged that France were second best on the pitch and acknowledged that the team simply did not perform well enough to deserve a place in the final.
“We didn’t perform the way we wanted, tactically, technically or in terms of our overall level,” Mbappe said. “If you don’t do what you should in a World Cup semi-final, you don’t win.”
The French attacking quartet had a frustrating evening. Michael Olise was silenced by Marc Cucurella, while Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and substitute Desire Doue failed to disrupt Spain’s disciplined backline. Even Mbappe found little space to assert himself as Luis de la Fuente controlled possession and territory for most of the match. Kylian Mbappe and the French attack were neutralized by Spain in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals. (Image: Reuters)
The France captain also highlighted his side’s shortcomings both with and without the ball.
“Spain stuck to their plan and what they believe in. The lack of communication in our pressing… even when we regained possession, our first passes and first touches were not worthy of a World Cup semi-final.”
DESCHAMPS’ FAREWELL
Defeat ended France’s hopes of reaching a second successive World Cup final and sent them into Saturday’s third-place play-off against the losers of the England-Argentina semi-final.
The match will also bring down the curtain on Didier Deschamps’ 14-year tenure as France head coach, with World Cup-winning legend Zinedine Zidane widely tipped to succeed him.
Mbappe said the team’s priority now is to make sure Deschamps bows out on a positive note. Kylian Mbappe wants France to say goodbye to Didier Deschamps in the 3rd place game. (Image: Reuters)
“He has one game left and we have to play the best game for him because he deserves it and the fans deserve it to finish third in this World Cup,” Mbappe said.
Spain, meanwhile, are through to Sunday’s final, where they will face either England or Argentina as they seek a second World Cup title and a remarkable World and European Championship double.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
15 Jul 2026 05:04 IST