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Kylian Mbappe has openly criticised Didier Deschamps’ tactical decisions following France’s 2-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup semi-final. The French captain was forthright in his post-match comments, suggesting that a lack of coordination and ineffective pressing allowed Spain’s midfield to completely control the game in Arlington.

Mbappe highlights midfield struggles

France’s hopes of reaching a third straight World Cup final ended in Texas, as Spain dominated possession and tempo from start to finish. Mbappe, who had been one of the tournament’s standout players alongside Lionel Messi, looked visibly frustrated throughout the game. After the final whistle, the Real Madrid forward pointed to tactical missteps that enabled Spain’s midfielders to dictate the pace with ease.

“We were three against two in midfield and against Spain, that’s difficult,” Mbappe said after the match. “Fabian [Ruiz] and Rodri had plenty of time to play. There was a lack of communication in our pressing. I think we should have gone man-to-man and forced them to run with us.”

Spain punish a sloppy French side

While Mbappe focused on France’s tactical errors, he also admitted the team’s technical performance was well below their usual standards. The French side were unusually careless with the ball and failed to register a single shot on target for the first 80 minutes. The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Lucas Digne conceded a penalty for a foul on Lamine Yamal, which Mikel Oyarzabal converted. Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s lead shortly before the hour mark.

“We didn’t play the game we wanted, technically or tactically,” Mbappe confessed. “When you don’t do what’s required in a World Cup semi-final, you don’t win. Spain stuck to their game plan and did what they always do — control possession and the rhythm. Our plan was to press them high so they couldn’t settle into their tempo.”

“They’re better than us at controlling a match, and we couldn’t disrupt them. We were too sloppy technically. We didn’t take our chances when they came. Even when we won the ball back, our first touches weren’t good enough. That’s how you lose.”

Rayan Cherki voices his own frustration

Mbappe wasn’t alone in expressing disappointment. Rayan Cherki, who came on as a second-half substitute to try and spark a comeback, echoed his captain’s assessment of France’s lack of intensity. The Manchester City midfielder said that despite the talent in Deschamps’ squad, the team simply failed to rise to the occasion.

“I don’t know what to say. They were better than us in every department, and I think they wanted it more,” Cherki admitted. “It’s sad because I still believe we are a better side than them, but today Spain were better. Even on an off day, we need to show more, technically, tactically, and in desire.”

“In so many ways, we were missing everything today — truly everything. We’ll be back in four years, and we won’t repeat these mistakes.”

Captain accepts responsibility

The frustration boiled over late in the game, with Mbappe receiving a yellow card in the 86th minute after a collision with Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon. Despite his criticism of the tactics and team performance, the 27-year-old recognised his role as captain in taking responsibility for the defeat. France will now prepare for the third-place play-off in Miami Gardens, far from the final they had envisioned.

“It’s a huge disappointment. But if we’re being honest, we didn’t do enough to reach the final,” Mbappe concluded. “As captain, I take full responsibility, and I have no issue with that. We wanted to reach the final — we didn’t.” The result marks a difficult end for Deschamps, whose team has now lost to Spain three times in a row.