France eliminated from World Cup after 0-2 loss to Spain in semifinals

France's bid for a third World Cup title ended in disappointment Tuesday as they fell 0-2 to Spain in the 2026 semifinals held in Dallas. The defeat means the French team will not reach a third consecutive final, having won in 2018 and lost to Argentina in 2022. Spanish players, who are the reigning European champions, celebrated their victory, aiming to add a second World Cup star to their jersey.

French media reacted harshly to the team's elimination. Reports described the match as a "football lesson" and a "real shipwreck" for the French side, which was deemed "overclassed" by Spain. Critics characterized the French team as "faint and uninspired," lacking "personality," and displaying a "sad face." Some commentary evoked painful memories of past French World Cup performances, highlighting the stark superiority of the Spanish team during the match.

Coach Didier Deschamps admitted his team was outplayed, stating they were "a tone below" Spain. He pointed to more technical errors than usual and the crucial injury to defender William Saliba as factors contributing to the loss. Deschamps also alluded to "questionable" refereeing decisions, though he acknowledged that to hope for a different outcome, the team needed to perform at its absolute maximum.

The mood in the French camp was described as "devastated." Players were seen in tears following the final whistle. The loss marks a significant setback for the French national team, prompting reflection on their performance and future direction after a disappointing end to their World Cup campaign.