2026 World Cup: Why we lost to Spain - France coach Deschamps

France's head coach Didier Deschamps described his players as "devastated" following their World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, a match that ended their aspirations for a third title. The French team, which had impressed throughout the tournament with 16 goals in six games, was ultimately outplayed by a dominant Spanish performance.

"Of course, there is a lot of disappointment," Deschamps stated immediately after the match. "The players are devastated because we had a lot of ambition, even though we also have to be realistic and acknowledge that today we were a notch below on the technical level against a team that controlled the game well."

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Of course, there is a lot of disappointment. The players are devastated because we had a lot of ambition, even though we also have to be realistic and acknowledge that today we were a notch below on the technical level against a team that controlled the game well.

While acknowledging his team's shortcomings, Deschamps also directed criticism towards the referee, Ivan Barton. He questioned the official's suitability for a World Cup semi-final, particularly after an early penalty was awarded to Spain. "Is the referee at the level required to officiate a World Cup semi-final?" Deschamps asked, adding, "And I’m not saying this just because we lost today. There were quite a few situations. There were some favourable calls, too."

Deschamps, who is set to step down after the tournament, struggled to provide definitive answers for the loss. France's dazzling run to the semi-finals had drawn comparisons to some of the greatest World Cup teams, making their exit particularly bitter. The defeat marked a stark contrast to their previous successes, leaving the team and its coach searching for reasons beyond their own performance.

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Is the referee at the level required to officiate a World Cup semi-final? And I’m not saying this just because we lost today. There were quite a few situations. There were some favourable calls, too.