ARLINGTON, Texas — Kylian Mbappé seemed to question his manager Didier Deschamps’ approach and tactics after France’s 2-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup semifinal Tuesday.
World Cup 2026
The result ended France’s quest to reach a third straight World Cup final, with Mbappé being held scoreless and finishing the tournament with eight goals — tied with Argentina’s Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot lead.
Spain midfield general Rodri was dynamic throughout the match as the defending European champions, who have now beaten France three times in a row, got the better of a Deschamps team that had been dominant in its first six games in North America.
“We were three against two in midfield and against Spain, that’s hard,” Mbappé said after the game. “Fabian [Ruiz] and Rodri had plenty of time to play. There was a lack of communication on the press. I think we should have done man-to-man press and force them to run with us.”
Match Details
Mbappé also scored eight goals four years ago in Qatar, where France lost to Messi and Argentina in a penalty shootout in the final. France beat Croatia to win the World Cup eight years ago in Russia.
On Tuesday, though, France were disappointing in every phase of play, which Mbappé acknowledged along with his tactical analysis. They never got a foothold in the game, with Spain having full control, especially after Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot following Lucas Digne’s foul on Lamine Yamal.
“We didn’t play the game we wanted, technically, tactically,” Mbappé said. “When you don’t do what you have to do in a World Cup semifinal, you don’t win. Spain respected their game plan and what the team usually does. They like to control the ball and the tempo. Our plan was to press them high so they could not install their rhythm.
Tournament Impact
“Because they are better than us at controlling a game. We didn’t manage to do it. We were too sloppy technically. We could not hurt them when we could have.”
But the Real Madrid star also highlighted the errors made by the players after Spain found success in getting the ball back from France even when they lost possession.
“Even when we recovered the ball, our first touches were not good enough. That gives a defeat. It is a huge disappointment. But if we are objective, we didn’t put all the ingredients to go to the final,” Mbappé said.
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