Kylian Mbappé critical of Didier Deschamps’ tactics after Spain World Cup loss

France’s World Cup dreams are now officially over. Following a dominant World Cup performance throughout the 2026 tournament, Kylian Mbappé and his men faced off against Spain in the World Cup semi-finals.

Facing a similar fate to the 2024 Euro semi-final, France were unable to beat Spain again. In contrast to a couple of years ago when France at least scored once, this year they failed to score any goals in the World Cup and finished the match 2-0.

Spain maintained their clean-sheet run as Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro scored and helped their team pick up the victory. In comparison to Spain’s all-round performance, France’s captain, Mbappé, who had been outstanding all tournament, couldn’t deliver in the critical match.

Later, while speaking to the press after the match, Mbappé expressed his disappointment and criticised Didier Deschamps’ tactics after their loss to Spain. “I think we didn’t play our game, neither technically nor tactically. When you don’t do what you’re supposed to do in a World Cup semifinal, you don’t win. Spain stayed true to their game plan,” he shared.

“Right from the start, we were pressing three against two. We messed up there. Against Spain, we need to press one for one. And even when we recovered the ball. Our ball touches, and our movements were not worthy of a World Cup semifinal. We did not have what it takes to go to the World Cup final, to be honest.” (H/T GiveMeSport)

However, despite the semi-final exit, France still has a chance to win the second runners-up position when they face the losers of the England vs. Argentina game on Jul. 18, 2026.

The post Kylian Mbappé critical of Didier Deschamps’ tactics after Spain World Cup loss appeared first on ClutchPoints.