World Cup 2026: Deschamps Calls France's First Half 'Unpresentable' in Third-Place Loss to England

Didier Deschamps, the departing French national team coach, lamented his team's "unpresentable first half" in their 6-4 defeat to England in the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff. France found themselves trailing 4-0 at the break before mounting a second-half comeback that Deschamps described as "at least resembling something, even though the defeat hurts."

“

We had an unpresentable first half. There was a reaction, with things we knew how to do well. We had two chances to draw 4-4. We projected ourselves a bit more, which is what we know how to do.

Speaking to French channel M6, Deschamps admitted his responsibility for the team's poor first-half performance, stating, "I must not have done what was necessary in the first half." He made four halftime substitutions, which he believes sparked the team's improved showing after the interval. The coach acknowledged that his team had chances to equalize at 4-4, indicating a potential shift in momentum.

“

I must not have done what was necessary in the first half.

Reflecting on the tournament, Deschamps expressed "disappointment" from a squad that entered as favorites but was eliminated in the semifinals by Spain. Despite the ultimate outcome, he praised the "very, very beautiful adventure" shared with the players over eight weeks of preparation. He highlighted the positive aspects of their journey, while acknowledging the crucial loss to Spain where the opponent was highly effective.

“

On a human level, it has been a very, very beautiful adventure with them. The eight weeks since the start of preparation that we have spent together have been very beautiful. We have managed to do quite a few positive things, we failed our match against Spain and they managed to be very effective against us. We shouldn't throw everything away, of course.

Looking ahead, Deschamps expressed confidence in the future of the French team, noting the emergence of many young talents who will continue to develop. He believes there is "plenty of material to continue achieving very good results" as he steps down after 14 years at the helm.

“

There are quite a few young people who will continue to climb the ladder and there really is material to continue having very good results.