Mbappe slams Deschamps after France’s World Cup semi-final loss

Kylian Mbappe launched a public criticism of France manager Didier Deschamps on Tuesday after France’s 2‑0 semi‑final defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup, noting that three Real Madrid players, including himself, have now exited the tournament and will not receive winners medals. The trio comprises Kylian Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ibrahima Konate. All three will not be heading home with a winners medal. France can still secure a third‑place finish this weekend if they defeat the loser of the Argentina‑England semi‑final. The match offers a chance to salvage a podium spot despite the earlier exit.

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In a post‑match interview via MD, Mbappe said, “I think we didn’t play the game we wanted. Neither tactically nor technically, in terms of the general level we showed.” He added, “We didn’t do what we have to do in a World Cup semi‑final, so we didn’t win.” Mbappe argued that Didier Deschamps’ tactics left Les Bleus outnumbered, giving La Roja a numerical superiority of three midfielders to two. He said the imbalance made it difficult to contest Spain’s control of the game.

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He pointed to Fabián Ruiz and Rodri enjoying ample time on the ball as evidence of the midfield gap. Mbappe suggested France should have played man‑to‑man, forcing Spain to run, and criticised first touches that were not up to World Cup semi‑final standards.