France squad ‘disgusted’ at third-place play-off after World Cup semi-final collapse to Spain

France’s players are “disgusted” at having to play England in the World Cup 2026 third-place play-off, with Kylian Mbappe described as the most devastated member of a shattered squad still reeling from their 2-0 defeat by Spain.

Didier Deschamps’ side were widely tipped to reach a third consecutive World Cup final, but instead produced a flat, error-strewn display in the semi-final on Tuesday night, as Spain dominated for the full 90 minutes.

France will now face England in the play-off in the early hours of Sunday, yet mood inside the camp is bleak, according to detailed accounts in French outlet L’Equipe, relayed by Foot Mercato.

One member of the coaching staff told L’Equipe: “هل تعتقدون انهم يرغبون في خوض هذه المباراة؟ بالطبع لا، لقد جاء هذا الفريق الى هنا لهدف اخر”.
Another staffer added: “انهم يشعرون بالاشميزاز من اضطرارهم للعب”.

Sleepless night after Spain defeat

In the hours after the loss to Spain, several France players were unable to sleep and re-watched the match, only deepening their sense of disappointment.

L’Equipe’s sources say Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid before the tournament, was hit hardest by the manner of the exit. A member of the French delegation said: “جميعهم متالمون بشدة، لكنني اعتقد ان كيليان اكثرهم الما”.

Deschamps’ post-match address, and efforts by his staff to lift spirits, reportedly did little to shift the 25-year-old’s gloom.

Although the meeting with England still carries personal significance for Mbappe – he is locked on eight goals with Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot at this World Cup – the paper reports that, in his mind, “participation in the World Cup has already ended”.

Tactical confusion and frustration

According to L’Equipe, Mbappe was particularly puzzled by how poorly France implemented the game plan in the second half against Spain.

Deschamps is said to have instructed his players to take opponents on one‐against‐one more often, as a way of bypassing Spain’s intense pressing. Mbappe “did not understand” why those instructions were not followed more rigorously after the interval, especially as France struggled to progress the ball and rarely threatened the Spanish goal.

Winger Ousmane Dembele, who also endured a difficult evening, is reported to have felt let down by what he saw as a lack of support when he attempted to press the player in possession. That left him exposed and repeatedly outmanoeuvred by Spain’s technically assured back line and midfield.

Technical gulf worries Deschamps

For Deschamps and his staff, the core concern was not just tactical execution but the fundamental technical level France showed compared with Spain.

The coaching team are understood to have expressed deep regret that France’s passing and first touch were so often imprecise throughout the semi-final. That technical inaccuracy, they felt, was in stark contrast to Spain’s display, which allowed La Roja to impose their style of play and control the tempo almost from kick-off to final whistle.

France’s struggles in ball progression meant their attacking strengths – frequently highlighted in pre-tournament FIFA power rankings and attacking metrics – were largely neutralised. Spain, by contrast, showcased the full range of their offensive patterns, creative playmaking and structured defending.

Third-place play-off seen as unwanted duty

Internally, the third-place match with England is being treated more as an obligation than an opportunity, with players and staff alike wrestling with the psychological fallout of seeing their title hopes ended.

While finishing third and individual awards remain at stake, the overwhelming sense described around the French camp is one of frustration, disbelief and a lingering sense that a squad assembled “for another goal” has fallen well short of its own expectations.