Mbappe Questions France's Tactics After World Cup Semifinal Exit

France captain Kylian Mbappe voiced strong criticism of his team's performance following their 2-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal. The loss ended France's hopes of reaching a third consecutive tournament final.

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We were three against two in midfield and against Spain, that's hard. Fabián and Rodri had plenty of time to play. There was a lack of communication on the press. I think we should have done man-to-man press and force them to run with us.

Mbappe specifically questioned the team's tactical approach and execution, particularly in the midfield. He felt France struggled against Spain's Rodri and Fabián Ruiz, citing a lack of communication in their pressing strategy and poor technical play. "We didn't play the game we wanted, technically, tactically," Mbappe stated after the match. "When you don't do what you have to do in a World Cup semifinal, you don't win."

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We didn't play the game we wanted, technically, tactically. When you don't do what you have to do in a World Cup semifinal, you don't win.

The Real Madrid forward also pointed to repeated errors after regaining possession, noting that sloppy first touches prevented France from launching effective attacks. "It is a huge disappointment. But if we are objective, we didn't put all the ingredients to go to the final," he added. The defeat marks another early exit for France after their previous campaigns.

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It is a huge disappointment. But if we are objective, we didn't put all the ingredients to go to the final.

Teammate Rayan Cherki echoed Mbappe's sentiments, admitting Spain had been superior in all aspects. "France was missing everything today. Truly, everything was missing today," Cherki said. Mbappe, who is tied with Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot, acknowledged his responsibility as captain but expressed the team's collective failure to reach the final.

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I still believe that we are a better team than them, but this afternoon Spain has been better than us. France was missing everything today. Truly, everything was missing today. We'll be back in four years, and we won't make the same mistakes.