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Mbappe admits failure: Spain was better, we didn't play as we should have

Politiko 2026-07-15 09:04:45

Mbappe admits failure: Spain was better, we didn't play as we should have

Kylian Mbappe did not hide his disappointment after France's elimination in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup by Spain. The "Les Bleus" captain admitted that Didier Deschamps' team failed to execute the game plan and that the Spaniards were superior, especially in midfield, deserving of qualification to the final.

"We didn't play the game we had prepared for. We weren't at the required level, whether tactically, technically or in terms of performance. And when you're not at the level in a World Cup semi-final, you can't win ," Mbappe told M6.

According to him, the objective was to exert high pressure on Spain to prevent them from controlling the pace of the game, but the French failed to implement this strategy.

"We wanted to force them to play under pressure and not set their own pace. They are better than us in ball control and we failed to prevent that ," said the striker.

Mbappe also admitted that Spain dominated in midfield, with Rodri, Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz consistently creating numerical advantages over Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni.

"We were often two against three in midfield and against a team like Spain it punishes you. When you put all these elements together, the result is elimination. It's a big disappointment ," he declared.

In conclusion, the French captain said that the team must accept the defeat with dignity and look forward.

"Our dream was to play in the final and give France the opportunity to write history. We didn't make it, but we have to accept that with our heads held high. Now we need to recover, rest and start a new chapter, because football waits for no one," Mbappe concluded.

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