FIFA World Cup 2026: Mbappe says France "completely stunned" by England in 1st half, returned as "top-level players" in 2nd
Miami, July 19
France captain Kylian Mbappe admitted Les Bleus were "completely stunned" by England's first-half performance in their 6-4 defeat in the FIFA World Cup 2026 bronze medal match in Miami on Saturday, but said the team rediscovered their top-level quality after the break.
England clinched the bronze medal after a thrilling, record-breaking 10-goal encounter at Miami Stadium, with the defeat marking a disappointing end to Deschamps' 14-year tenure as France manager.
England took absolute control of the first half, leaving Les Bleus shell-shocked with an unprecedented 4-0 lead before the interval. Declan Rice opened the scoring just three minutes into the game, before defender Ezri Konsa doubled the advantage in the 18th minute. Bukayo Saka then took centre stage, netting twice in quick succession (37', 45+1') to mark the first time France has ever conceded four goals in a single half of World Cup football.
Speaking after the match, Mbappe admitted France were "completely stunned" by England's first-half display but said the team showed their true quality after the break. He acknowledged the disappointment of losing, especially in outgoing coach Didier Deschamps' final match, and said they wanted to give the coach a better farewell. However, he insisted the defeat would not affect Deschamps' lasting legacy with Les Bleus.
"There were two very different halves. During the first one, I can understand why some people think we made fools of ourselves and didn't do the jersey justice. I'd say instead that we were human--and we can't afford to be. We were completely stunned, and they really shook us awake. In the second half, we went back to being top-level players, mental machines. In the end, we didn't win, and that's a shame for the coach [Didier Deschamps]. We wanted to do something for him. The first half gives the impression that we let him down--that's not at all how we wanted him to feel. That match isn't going to tarnish Didier Deschamps' legacy," he said after the match, as quoted by the FIFA website.
France staged a stunning second-half comeback after trailing 4-0, with Mbappe scoring twice and Bradley Barcola adding another to make it 4-3. Mbappe's brace also saw him overtake Lionel Messi as the FIFA World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 22 goals. However, England regained control when Bukayo Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute. Ousmane Dembele scored late for France, but Jude Bellingham sealed England's 6-4 victory in stoppage time.
The loss marked the end of a brilliant 14-year journey of Deschamps as France manager. He took charge of France in 2012, guided the team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title and another final in 2022 before their 2026 campaign ended with a semi-final loss to Spain.
— ANI
Reader Comments
England were brilliant in the first half, total domination. But France's fightback in the second half shows their character. I wish India could experience this level of football one day. The passion, the drama - it's unmatched!
I'm from England but living in Bangalore now. This win feels incredible! Rice and Saka were unplayable. But credit to France - they didn't give up. That penalty decision in the 87th minute changed everything though - controversial but fair.
Honestly, Deschamps' legacy is secure. World Cup winner, finalist, semis - that's incredible consistency. But this match showed France's defensive frailties. You can't concede 4 goals in one half at this level. Still, what a thrilling game for neutrals! 🇫🇷
As an Indian football fan who stayed up all night to watch this, it was worth every minute! Mbappe is a generational talent - 22 World Cup goals is unbelievable. But England's young core is scary good. Saka hat-trick, Bellingham clutch goal - future of football is bright!
Bronze medal match always delivers goals, but 10 goals? That's insane! England's first half was perfection, but France's comeback shows they never stopped believing. Deschamps leaving on a loss is sad, but he changed French football forever. Respect.
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