Mbappe swears on live TV as France's World Cup dream ends in 2-0 defeat to Spain

Kylian Mbappe let his frustration spill onto live television after France were eliminated from the World Cup at the semi-final stage, losing 2-0 to Spain on Tuesday. The France captain swore during a pitchside interview with FOX Sports’ Jenny Taft, forcing the network to bleep his outburst. It is the first time since 2014 that France have failed to reach the World Cup final.

Speaking to Taft, a visibly anguished Mbappe said: “At the end of the day, you take all the glory when you win, and when you don’t win, you have to… sorry to take a (expletive). It’s part of the game, part of my game, part of my life. As a captain, I have to take all the responsibility and I have no problem with that. We wanted to go to the final, we didn’t go.”

Mbappe was generous in defeat, crediting Spain’s style of play for neutralising France throughout. “It’s a team who loves to have control of the game, control of the ball. That’s what we let them do. It’s difficult when you don’t change the play of Spain,” he added.

Spain opened the scoring when France defender Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal in the penalty area. Mikel Oyarzabal converted the spot kick, taking his World Cup tally to five goals. France head coach Didier Deschamps made changes at half-time, but Spain doubled their lead just before the hour mark when Pedro Porro finished after substitute Desire Doue failed to track his run.

France rarely threatened Simon’s goal, with Mbappe registering the first attempt on the Spanish goalkeeper only in the final 20 minutes. Ousmane Dembele had two late efforts saved, but Les Bleus never mounted a genuine comeback.

The defeat brought a painful end to what had otherwise been a remarkable individual tournament for Mbappe, who scored eight goals and contributed three assists across seven matches. The loss of defender William Saliba to injury during the game further hampered France’s hopes of a response.

Spain’s clean sheet was their sixth in seven World Cup matches, having conceded only once — in a 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium — as they advance to Sunday’s final as deserving favourites.