France head coach Didier Deschamps admitted his side paid the price for failing to impose its usual attacking style after a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup semifinal.
The loss ended France’s unbeaten run in World Cup knockout matches since a 1-0 quarterfinal defeat to Germany in 2014, a stretch of 11 games (10 wins, one draw). It was also France’s fourth World Cup semifinal defeat in eight appearances (1958, 1982, 1986 and 2026) and the third successive semifinal elimination against Spain, following defeats at Euro 2024 (2-1) and the UEFA Nations League in 2025 (5-4).
“We are obviously very disappointed. Our goal was to reach the final, but we have to admit Spain controlled the match completely,” Deschamps said after the game.
“The players are devastated because we had high ambitions. We have to admit we were a notch below our usual technical level against a team that had complete control of the game.
“It’s primarily our own fault. We fell short and weren’t as dangerous in attack as we could have been. We made a few technical errors on passes that might have led to scoring chances. That’s the reality at this level, even if it hurts. We didn’t play the way we like to play football, and we’re paying the price.”
Deschamps praises Spain after another semifinal heartbreak
Spain took the lead in the 22nd minute when Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot before Pedro Porro doubled the advantage just before the hour mark.
Asked if France had been given a footballing lesson, Deschamps praised Luis de la Fuente’s side while admitting his own team’s uncharacteristic sloppiness proved costly.
“Spain is a very strong team and the players proved it again tonight. We did not perform at our usual level. We made more technical mistakes than in our previous matches. The players tried everything to be ready, but we clearly were not at our best,” he said.
Deschamps also credited Spain’s defensive organisation, saying they effectively neutralised captain Kylian Mbappe.
“Spain defended excellently today. They left very little space. At the same time, we made technical errors that prevented us from finding solutions. When your technical and attacking level drops against such a team, it becomes very difficult,” he added.
France suffered another setback when central defender William Saliba was forced off with an injury in the first half. Deschamps opted to bring on Maxence Lacroix instead of Ibrahima Konate.
“It was my decision. William had to come off because of injury, and I did not want to take extra risks with other players. Given their usual positions and experience, I felt it was the most logical adjustment,” he explained.
France to play for third place after semifinal defeat
France will now face the loser of the other semifinal in the third-place playoff. Deschamps, who had previously announced that he would step down after the World Cup, refused to discuss his future.
“Now is not the time to talk about that. I am extremely proud of everything this national team has achieved, winning in 2018, reaching the final in Qatar and now another semifinal. Today we have to accept defeat and congratulate Spain. That is top-level football.”