France’s dream of a third straight World Cup final ended in heartbreak. The French national team lost 2-0 to Spain on Tuesday in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals - a bitter pill after dominating the tournament so far. Their last result before the loss? France 2-0 Morocco (July 9, 2026). They had also strung together five straight wins (WWWWW) before falling to La Roja.

Why did this loss sting so much?

Didier Deschamps didn’t mince words after the final whistle. « The players are shattered. But we have to be logical: we were outplayed technically. It’s our fault », he told M6. The manager acknowledged individual mistakes and questionable tactical choices, but stopped short of blaming the referee outright. Still, he left the door open on the officiating in a high-stakes semifinal.

« I’ll ask this: does the referee have the level to handle a semifinal? I won’t answer that », he said, then added on beIN Sports: « If I say something, I’ll look like a whiner because we lost. But I’m asking you: does the referee have the level to handle a semifinal? There was the penalty, but it’s not just that - there was more to it. »

Which referee calls drew the most heat?

Deschamps didn’t spell out the specific calls he questioned, but several stood out. Spain’s penalty in the 22nd minute remains the most controversial. Mikel Oyarzabal converted after Lamine Yamal went down in the box, brought down by a misjudged clearance from Lucas Digne. « Felled mid-air, the Spaniard collapsed inside the penalty area », the report notes. Yet former FIFA referee Saïd Enjimi told L’Équipe that Yamal hadn’t handled the ball before contact.

Social media users also argued that « the Spaniard never goes for the ball » and « runs straight into the contact », seemingly angling for the foul. For Deschamps, the penalty was the turning point in a match where France had started well. « There were little fouls piling up », he said at halftime, also calling out Spain’s persistent fouling.

Was Rabiot’s early exit a mistake?

Adrien Rabiot was France’s standout performer in the first half, linking defense and attack in a midfield dominated by Spain. Yet he was subbed off at the break over fears of a second yellow. « Deschamps feared he’d pick up a second booking », the article explains. A questionable call, given Rabiot’s influence.

What’s next for Les Bleus?

The focus now shifts to France’s future. After this exit, the path to World Cup 2030 looms large. « Their next test? An away trip to Türkiye on September 25, 2026 », per the schedule. Between regret and soul-searching, Les Bleus must move on before their next international date.