France captain, Kylian Mbappe, has blamed poor execution of their game plan for the 2-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup semi-final.
Les Bleus conceded an early penalty in the first half, with Mikel Oyarzabal converting to give Spain the lead.
Pedro Porro then doubled Spain’s advantage after the break with a well-worked goal as France failed to respond.
Speaking after the match, Mbappe explained the tactical mistakes that cost his side a place in the final.
“Right from the start, we were pressing three against two and we messed up there. Against Spain, you have to press man for man,” Mbappe said.
“We didn’t activate the game plan. When you don’t do what you’re supposed to do in a World Cup semi-final, you don’t win.
“We did not do what it takes to reach the dream, to reach the World Cup final.”
Spain will now face the winner of the second semi-final in the 2026 World Cup final.
