FIFA World Cup 2026: Coach Deschamps says France "fell short" after semifinal defeat to Spain
Texas, July 15
France head coach Didier Deschamps admitted his side was below its usual standards after a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup semifinal, saying Les Bleus paid the price for technical mistakes and a lack of cutting edge in attack.
Speaking after France's exit from the tournament, Deschamps said his players were deeply disappointed after falling short of their goal of reaching the final.
"The players are devastated because we had high ambitions, even though we have to admit that today we were a notch below our usual level technically, facing a team that really had a handle on the game," Deschamps said, as quoted by FIFA.
The French coach accepted responsibility for the defeat, saying his side failed to make the most of their opportunities against a well-organised Spanish team.
"It's primarily our own fault. We fell short and weren't as dangerous in attack as we could have been, making a few technical errors on passes that might have led to scoring chances. That's the reality of the elite level, even if it hurts," he added, as quoted by FIFA.
Spain produced a clinical display to defeat France at Dallas Stadium, combining resolute defending with clinical finishing to secure a place in the final.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot, while Pedro Porro added a second to seal Spain's victory. Porro was named Player of the Match for his impressive performance.
The result sends Spain into the World Cup final, where they will meet either England or Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. Spain's only previous appearance in a World Cup final ended in triumph when Andres Iniesta scored the winner against the Netherlands in 2010.
Oyarzabal continued his rich vein of form, taking his tally to 18 goals in his last 20 appearances for Spain. His penalty also made him just the sixth player to score 30 international goals for the national team, joining David Villa (59), Raul (44), Fernando Torres (38), Alvaro Morata (37) and David Silva (35).
France entered the contest as slight favourites and threatened early through Kylian Mbappe, but Spain struck first after Lamine Yamal won a penalty when he was fouled inside the area. Oyarzabal calmly converted from the spot beyond goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Spain doubled their lead soon after through Porro, who combined neatly with Dani Olmo before finishing confidently into the bottom corner.
France attempted to fight back by introducing Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki, but Spain remained in control. Goalkeeper Unai Simon made important interventions, while defender Marc Cucurella produced a crucial tackle to deny Mbappe.
The final whistle sparked celebrations among the Spanish players, while France were left to settle for a third-place playoff on Saturday (local time), where Mbappe will have another opportunity to add to his goal tally in the race for the Golden Boot.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I feel for Deschamps. France has so much talent but they just couldn't click yesterday. Spain's defense was superb – Cucurella's tackle on Mbappe was world-class! And Oyarzabal is on fire, 18 goals in 20 games? Unreal! India should take notes on their finishing.
Deschamps blaming technical errors is a bit too generous – France were outplayed tactically too. Spain controlled the midfield and that's where matches are won. As someone who follows European football closely here in Bangalore, I think Deschamps needs to rethink his approach if France wants to win in 2030.
Spain 2010 vibes all over again! 😍 That team under Iniesta was magical, and now this new generation is doing the same. France will come back stronger – but for now, Spain deserve all the praise. Porro was brilliant, MOTM well deserved. Can't wait for the final!
As an Indian who grew up watching Zidane and Henry, it hurts to see France lose like this. But credit to Spain – they were clinical and didn't give an inch. Oyarzabal's penalty was ice cold. France's attacking options were too predictable. Maybe Deschamps should've started different players? 🤔
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