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French captain Kylian Mbappé has acknowledged that Les Bleus did not perform well enough to advance, following their 2-0 loss to Spain in Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final.
France entered the match as many observers’ favourites but struggled to impose themselves against a disciplined and clinical Spanish side.
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sealed Spain’s victory, sending Luis de la Fuente’s team into their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
Spain controlled much of the contest, limiting France to just two shots on target. The French, who had scored 16 goals before the semi-final, found little space against Spain’s organised defence as Mbappé and his attacking teammates were kept quiet.
Reflecting on the defeat, the Real Madrid forward acknowledged that France simply did not reach the level required.
“We did not produce the performance we wanted, tactically, technically or in terms of our overall level,” Mbappé said.
“When you fail to do what you are supposed to do in a World Cup semi-final, you do not win.
“Spain stuck to their plan and to what they believe in. There was a lack of communication in our pressing, even when we won possession back, our first passes and first touches were not worthy of a World Cup semi-final,” he added.
France coach Didier Deschamps echoed Mbappé’s assessment, conceding that Spain deserved to progress.
“The players are devastated, but we have to be clear-headed: technically, we were second best. That is on us.”
Spain defender Pedro Porro, who scored his side’s second goal, described reaching the final as a career-defining moment and praised his teammates for executing their game plan.
“A dream come true to be honest. I never even imagined anything like this, not even in my wildest dreams,” Porro said.
“We did everything right against a team that was having a brilliant World Cup,” he added.
Spain will learn their opponents in the final after Wednesday’s second semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta, with the winners advancing to Sunday’s World Cup final.
