France's World Cup run ends with semifinal loss, ending multiple records

France's World Cup 2026 campaign ended in the semifinals with a 0-2 defeat against Spain, halting their pursuit of a third consecutive final appearance and marking a significant downturn for the favored team.

The match saw France concede a penalty in the first half due to an error, leading to Mikel Oyarzabal's goal, which put them behind at halftime for the first time in the tournament. This was also the first time France had conceded a goal in a World Cup semifinal since their match against Croatia in 1998.

In the second half, Pedro Porro added another goal, making it the first time France had conceded two goals in a World Cup semifinal since their 1986 encounter with Germany. This performance was described as France's poorest in a World Cup semifinal in approximately 40 years.

The loss also broke several notable records for the French national team. Their streak of four consecutive wins in World Cup semifinals, spanning from 1998 to the previous tournament, came to an end. Furthermore, their impressive 11-game unbeaten run in World Cup knockout stage matches, which began in 2018 and included the 2022 final (officially a draw), was also concluded.

This defeat signifies the first time France has lost a World Cup knockout match since their 0-1 loss to Germany in the 2014 quarterfinals. The team's previous knockout stage record under coach Didier Deschamps was formidable, highlighting the significance of this elimination.

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France was eliminated. (European News Agency)