France captain Kylian Mbappe admitted Les Bleus fell well below the standards expected of them after their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in 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 France’s much-feared attack with little room to operate as they secured a place in their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010.
The European champions controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, dictating the tempo and forcing France onto the back foot throughout the contest. Mikel Oyarzabal broke the deadlock from the penalty spot after Lamine Yamal was fouled inside the box before Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s advantage just before the hour mark with a composed finish after combining with Dani Olmo.
Despite arriving in the last four as one of the tournament favourites, France struggled to create meaningful opportunities. Spain’s organised pressing and compact shape repeatedly disrupted Didier Deschamps’ side, limiting Les Bleus to just two shots on target.
France vs Spain, FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal: Highlights | Report
MBAPPE’S ADMISSION
Mbappe acknowledged that France were second best across the pitch and accepted that the team simply did not perform well enough to deserve a place in the final.
“We did not produce the performance we wanted, tactically, technically or in terms of our overall level,” Mbappe said. “When you fail to do what you are supposed to do in a World Cup semi-final, you do not win.”
France’s attacking quartet endured a frustrating evening. Michael Olise was kept quiet by Marc Cucurella, while Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and substitute Desire Doue failed to trouble Spain’s disciplined backline. Even Mbappe found little space to impose himself as Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled possession and territory for most of the match.
The France captain also highlighted his side’s shortcomings both with and without the ball.
“Spain stuck to their plan and to what they believe in. There was a lack of communication in our pressing… even when we won possession back, our first passes and first touches were not worthy of a World Cup semi-final.”
DESCHAMPS’ FAREWELL
The defeat ended France’s hopes of reaching a second successive World Cup final and consigned them to Saturday’s third-place playoff against the loser of the England-Argentina semi-final.
The match will also bring the curtain down on Didier Deschamps’ 14-year spell as France head coach, with World Cup-winning legend Zinedine Zidane widely tipped to succeed him.
Mbappe said the squad’s priority was now to ensure Deschamps bows out on a positive note.
“There is one game left for him 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, advanced to Sunday’s final, where they will face either England or Argentina as they chase a second World Cup title and a remarkable World Cup-European Championship double.
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