World Cup 2026: A Painful Defeat Ends Deschamps' Era

Before the clash at AT&T Stadium (Arlington, USA), France had impressed the world with 16 goals in six matches. The quartet of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, along with young talent Desire Doue, was hailed as the best attack in a World Cup since Brazil's "golden generation" of 1982. Yet all that brilliance vanished in the most important game.

Facing a disciplined Spain that dominated possession and completely controlled the midfield, "Les Bleus" were almost unable to execute their usual style. According to Opta statistics, France generated only 0.3 expected goals (xG) – the lowest for any team in a World Cup semifinal since 1994. More notably, the blue-clad side did not manage a shot on target until after the 75th minute.

While France's attack went cold, Spain showed composure and efficiency. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Lamine Yamal forced Lucas Digne into a foul in the box, before Pedro Porro doubled the lead with a sharp combination with Dani Olmo.

The biggest difference in the match lay in the midfield battle. The trio of Rodri, Dani Olmo, and Fabian Ruiz completely controlled the center, leaving France constantly outnumbered. The forwards were effectively cut off from supply, forcing Mbappe and his teammates to operate without the ball and without creating significant pressure. Mbappe admitted after the match: "Our midfield was constantly in a 2v3 situation. Against a team like Spain, that's a huge problem. We couldn't play the way we had prepared tactically and technically. And in a World Cup semifinal, if you're not at your best, you can't win."

The Real Madrid star also believed that France had completely lost the identity that made them the tournament's top contender. The 27-year-old forward said: "We didn't have the match we wanted, from tactics to technique to quality. When you can't play your way in a World Cup semifinal, defeat is inevitable."

For coach Didier Deschamps, this was an incomplete farewell after more than a decade leading France. The 57-year-old manager led "Les Bleus" to win the 2018 World Cup, finish as runners-up in 2022, and hoped to cap his tenure with a third consecutive final appearance. Deschamps shared: "I don't think it matters whether I leave in the semifinal or the final. What makes me proud is what the team has built together over the years. Today is clearly not a happy moment, but we must accept defeat without forgetting the achievements we've made."

The defeat also cost Mbappe the chance to make history as only the second player after Cafu (Brazil) to appear in three consecutive World Cup finals. Nevertheless, the French captain remained optimistic. Mbappe stated: "We dreamed of the final to continue writing history for our country. Now it's a huge disappointment. But just like when we win, we must hold our heads high in defeat. We'll rest, get back up, and start again. Football waits for no one."

On the other side, the victory over France helped Spain continue their historic run. "La Roja" became the first team to keep six clean sheets in a single World Cup, while extending their unbeaten streak to 37 matches across all competitions, equaling Italy's record. Luis de la Fuente's side also became the first European team to win eight consecutive knockout matches in World Cup and EURO tournaments. Lamine Yamal once again showed his influence despite not scoring directly. The 19-year-old's play earned the penalty that opened the scoring, while Oyarzabal scored his fifth goal of the 2026 World Cup, raising his international tally to 30 goals in 60 appearances.

France will play in the third-place match against the loser of the semifinal between England and Argentina. Mbappe still has a chance to win the Golden Boot, as he is tied with Lionel Messi at the top of the scoring chart with eight goals. Meanwhile, Spain will face the winner of the England-Argentina match in the final, scheduled for 2:00 AM on July 20 (Vietnam time) at MetLife Stadium (USA). With a solid defense, a dominant midfield, and consistent form throughout the tournament, "La Roja" stand on the brink of a second world title, following their 2010 triumph.