Mbappe questions Deschamps' tactics after France fall to Spain in World Cup semi-final

Kylian Mbappe openly questioned Didier Deschamps’ tactical decisions and challenged his France team-mates after Les Bleus were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup by Spain, who won 2-0 at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday night through goals from Pedro Porro and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Mbappe, who struggled throughout and managed only a wayward free-kick of note, pointed directly at France’s midfield structure as a key problem. “We were three against two in midfield and against Spain, that’s hard,” he said. “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.”

The Real Madrid forward was unflinching in his assessment of France’s overall performance. “We didn’t play the game we wanted, technically, tactically. When you don’t do what you have to do in a World Cup semi-final, you don’t win,” he said. “We were too sloppy technically. We could not hurt them when we could have. Even when we recovered the ball, our first touches were not good enough. That gives a defeat.”

Mbappe acknowledged Spain’s superiority in controlling tempo, admitting France failed to execute their own game plan. “Our plan was to press them high so they could not install their rhythm. Because they are better than us at controlling a game. We didn’t manage to do it. If we are objective, we didn’t put all the ingredients to go to the final.”

Team-mate Rayan Cherki offered a contrasting perspective, insisting France remain the stronger side despite the result. “They were better in every aspect of the game. They wanted it more than we did. I am convinced that we are the better team, but this afternoon they were superior,” the young forward said.

Cherki also reflected on the tactical and emotional failings that contributed to the defeat. “I don’t know if we lacked solutions or desire. Today, they recovered possession more easily than we did. They were better than us tactically, better positioned. We tried to solve those problems. We are in a World Cup semi-final — everything comes down to the details.”

The result ends France’s bid to reach a third consecutive World Cup final, having appeared in the 2018 and 2022 editions. Spain will now advance to face the winner of the other semi-final.