France was not up to par in the semi-final of the World Cup 2026 against Spain. Not even Kylian Mbappé managed to sustain the team in a match in which the offense never worked and in which Lucas Digne’s penalty conditioned the entire development.
Didier Deschamps’ team offered a blurred version, overwhelmed in the midfield and without depth in attack. This is the one by one of the French: France’s performance.
Maignan (5): The goalkeeper participated more with his feet than his hands. He showed precision at the start, but had no options in Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty, which put Spain ahead in the 20th minute, or in Pedro Porro’s 0-2 in the 58th minute.
Koundé (5): Without great demands in defense, he generally controlled Álex Baena, but contributed very little in attack. It lacked daring and depth. Correct, without further ado.
Upamecano (7): The best in France. Firm in coverage, concentrated and precise in launching the ball, even with good long vision. He avoided 0-2 by crossing against Fabián Ruiz, although he arrived late in the play that ended in the second Spanish goal.
Saliba (sc): The Arsenal centre-back, the undisputed starter, had back discomfort during the tournament. He retired in the 29th minute after becoming upset and was replaced by Maxence Lacroix.
Worthy (1): The great one. He caused the 0-1 penalty after not measuring an aerial ball well and knocking down Lamine Yamal. He never recovered from the mistake. Well below his level, both in defense and attack. He was replaced in ’73.
Tchouaméni (4): He returned after injury, but without rhythm. Slow in circulation and without offensive weight. Too focused on containment, it did not provide solutions.
Rabiot (3): Erratic in the pass and outplayed in the midfield. He saw yellow early and was substituted at half-time to avoid risks.
Dembélé (3): Very imprecise. He did not find his place neither outside nor inside. Without overflow or clarity. His only shots came in added time.
Olise (3): Active in defense, but irrelevant in attack. Lost between bad decisions and failed dribbles. Very far from its best version. Replaced at 73.
Boat (4): Deschamps opted for his speed, but it had little impact. It only generated danger in few actions. His only shot went wide.
Mbappé (5): Well controlled by the Spanish defense. He tried to lead the reaction with individual actions, but without support. He was the only one who insisted, although without success.
CHANGES IN FRANCE
Lacroix (4): He entered for Saliba and showed a lower level. Slow and with difficulties in defense.
Manu Koné (5): Orderly, but without offensive influence. He failed to change the dynamic of the match.
Doué (3): He entered to agitate the attack, but was unsuccessful. He missed the mark at 0-2.
Theo Hernandez (6): He provided more depth than Digne in less time.
Cherki (sc): Few minutes and little impact. He barely participated in the game.
A team without an answer
France was surpassed on all lines. Their midfield failed to compete and the attack never found connections to supply Mbappé.
The team that had shown the greatest strength in the tournament was neutralized by a Spain that imposed its control and revealed French limitations at the decisive moment.