‘They controlled the game better than us’ — Mbappe on why France lost to Spain

France captain Kylian Mbappe appeared to question Didier Deschamps’ tactical approach after Les Bleus were beaten 2-0 by Spain in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday.

The defeat ended France’s hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final as Spain outclassed the tournament favourites to book their place in Sunday’s showpiece.

Speaking after the match, Mbappe suggested France got their pressing strategy wrong against Spain’s dominant midfield, which was led by Rodri and Fabián Ruiz.

“We were three against two in midfield and against Spain, that’s hard,” Mbappe said. “Fabian 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 admitted France failed both tactically and technically, allowing Spain to dictate the tempo throughout the contest.

“We didn’t play the game we wanted, technically, tactically,” Mbappe said. “When you don’t do what you have to do in a World Cup semifinal, you don’t win. Spain respected their game plan and what the team usually does. They like to control the ball and the tempo. 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. We were too sloppy technically. We could not hurt them when we could have.”

Spain took control of the match after Mikel Oyarzabal converted a first-half penalty before Pedro Porro doubled the lead, with France struggling to create meaningful chances.

Mbappe, who finished the tournament with eight goals to draw level with Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race, also blamed the players for repeatedly surrendering possession.

“Even when we recovered the ball, our first touches were not good enough. That gives a defeat. It is a huge disappointment. But if we are objective, we didn’t put all the ingredients to go to the final.”

France coach Deschamps introduced several substitutes in the second half, including Désiré Doué and Rayan Cherki, but the changes failed to alter the outcome as Spain comfortably saw out the victory.

Cherki echoed his captain’s assessment, admitting France were second best in every department.

“I don’t know what to say. They were better than us in every part of the game, and they were hungrier than us I think,” Cherki said.

“It is sad because I still believe that we are a better team than them, but this afternoon Spain has been better than us. Even in an off day, we have to be a bit better technically, tactically, in the desire.

“In so many ways, France was missing everything today. Truly, everything was missing today. We’ll be back in four years, and we won’t make the same mistakes.”

Mbappe’s frustration was also evident late in the match when he collided with Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón while attempting to close him down, earning a yellow card in the 86th minute.

Despite the disappointment, the France captain accepted responsibility for the defeat.

“As the captain, I have to take all the responsibility and I have no problem with that,” Mbappe said. “We wanted to go to the final. We didn’t go.”

France will now face the loser of the second semi-final between Argentina and England in Saturday’s third-place play-off, while Spain will contest the World Cup final.

Vanguard News

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