France analyzes their 2026 World Cup failure after loss to Spain

France, who recently defeated Morocco 2-0 on July 9, 2026, suffered a crushing defeat against Spain in the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals. French media points fingers at several players, including Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise, for their disappointing performance.

Who are the main culprits of France's elimination?

According to L’Équipe, the French attack, touted as the best of the tournament, completely failed. Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé particularly symbolized this failure with disastrous statistics. Lucas Digne, meanwhile, made a fatal mistake early in the game, conceding a penalty to Spain. Manager Didier Deschamps is also criticized for his tactical choices.

Why does this defeat mark a turning point for France?

This defeat ends a five-game winning streak for France. It raises questions about the team's future, especially with the potential arrival of Zinédine Zidane as the new manager. French media speak of a "watermelon" rather than a "melon", illustrating the enormous disappointment.

What's next for France?

France will need to bounce back quickly to prepare for their next match against Turkey on September 25, 2026. This quarterfinal defeat leaves a bitter taste, but France has the opportunity to redeem themselves in upcoming matches.