France midfielder Rayan Cherki has conceded that Spain were the better team after Les Bleus suffered a 2-0 defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, admitting La Roja outclassed Didier Deschamps‘ side in every department.
The defeat ended France’s hopes of reaching another World Cup final, with Spain producing an organised and disciplined display to book their place in the tournament’s showpiece match.
Speaking after the final whistle, Cherki acknowledged that Spain’s pressing and tactical structure proved decisive throughout the contest.
“I don’t know if we lacked solutions, or desire. Today, they were more prolific in winning back possession than we were. If we had been able to win back more balls, we could have hurt them more.”
The Manchester City midfielder rejected suggestions that France lacked commitment, instead praising Spain’s tactical execution.
“I don’t think it was a lack of desire. They were tactically superior to us, better positioned.”
Lacroix highlights Spain’s pressing
Defender Maxence Lacroix, who replaced the injured William Saliba during the match, echoed Cherki’s assessment.
The centre-back admitted Spain’s pressing strategy prevented France from making the most of their attacking quality.
“They had a very good tactic against us. They knew where to press. We should have made better use of the quality we have. They were good, we didn’t show the image we wanted to show.”
Lacroix added that France struggled to link play with their forwards because of Spain’s defensive organisation.
“It was a tricky match to find the forwards. They played their game. They were better, we have to accept it. We’ll learn from our mistakes.”
Spain’s tactical discipline proves decisive
Spain controlled the key moments of the semi-final in Dallas, restricting France’s attacking threat through effective pressing and intelligent positioning.
Cherki pointed to La Roja’s ability to recover possession high up the pitch as one of the decisive factors behind the result, while Lacroix praised their tactical discipline and organisation.
The defeat ends France’s hopes of lifting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Les Bleus now turning their attention to the third-place play-off.
Spain, meanwhile, advance to the final in pursuit of a second FIFA World Cup title after producing another composed and convincing performance.
Rather than searching for excuses, France’s players accepted that Spain executed their game plan more effectively and deserved their place in the final.
