(Miami) The French national team failed to deliver a fitting send-off for coach Didier Deschamps, as Les Bleus succumbed to a 6-4 defeat against England in the World Cup’s ‘petite finale’ on Saturday. This utterly wild encounter saw Kylian Mbappé net a brace, securing his place as the sole record holder for most goals in World Cup history.
This outcome proved harsh for the departing manager of Les Bleus, who had urged his squad not to undervalue their final match, despite the bronze medal being the only stake. The defeat casts a shadow over an otherwise commendable World Cup journey, marred by their semi-final exit, and doesn’t fully reflect Deschamps’ significant contributions to the French national team since 2012.
The seasoned coach will long remember his tumultuous farewell at Hard Rock Stadium, a spectacle featuring an astonishing 10 goals from both sides in a truly unbelievable match. Deschamps reflected on the game’s conclusion, stating it marked the end of something profoundly beautiful, and pledged to become a ‘silent supporter’ of Les Bleus.
Deschamps, who had hoped to conclude his illustrious 14-year tenure at the helm of the French squad on a high note, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. He came perilously close to humiliation after a nightmarish first half, only for his players, spearheaded by captain Mbappé, to mount a belated and ultimately futile comeback.
The Tricolores, evidently still reeling from their 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain on Tuesday, were overwhelmed by England in the first half. They conceded four goals from Declan Rice (3rd minute), Ezri Konsa (18th minute), and Bukayo Saka (37th, 45th+1), who effortlessly sliced through a listless and outmatched defense. Deschamps himself described it as an “unpresentable first half.”
Midfielder Adrien Rabiot, known for his outspoken nature, condemned the first half as “shameful.” The AC Milan player added that the team could not afford to “botch things like that.”
The French backline was in disarray, prompting Deschamps to make four substitutions at halftime. The introductions of forwards Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, alongside defenders Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne, revitalized Les Bleus. They quickly narrowed the deficit with goals from Mbappé (48th, 66th) and Barcola (54th), setting the stage for an almost surreal final period.
a valiant but ultimately futile surge
This surge ultimately proved insufficient, and France couldn’t deliver a triumphant conclusion for their coach. Saka completed his hat-trick with a penalty (87th minute), followed by a goal from Jude Bellingham in stoppage time that extinguished France’s remaining hopes, just after Ousmane Dembélé had scored a consolation goal (90th+6).
While the outcome was disappointing for Deschamps, France’s attackers, who had struggled against La Roja in the semi-final, rediscovered their spectacular form for 45 minutes, a style of play that had captivated the world earlier in the tournament.
Despite failing to secure a second World Cup title after their 2018 triumph, Mbappé departs the competition with his head held high. With 22 goals across three final phases, he now stands alone as the record holder for World Cup goals and leads the 2026 edition’s scoring charts with 10 goals.
Mbappé expressed a preference for foregoing the individual record if it meant having the chance to play in the final.
The French captain admitted that Les Bleus were “completely stunned” by England’s dominant first 45 minutes.
I can understand some who might think it’s a mockery, that we didn’t respect the jersey. But I would say we were simply human, and unfortunately, we can’t afford to be human in such moments.
Kylian Mbappé
Nevertheless, Mbappé has put considerable pressure on his direct rival, Lionel Messi, who will have his opportunity to respond to the Frenchman in the final against Spain on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The captain remained exemplary throughout his time in the United States, living up to his esteemed status. Already the Golden Boot winner in Qatar 2022, the Real Madrid forward is well-positioned to retain the award, unless the Albiceleste star produces an extraordinary performance in the final.
Deschamps, however, could not say the same for other French players, who appeared largely disengaged during the match, particularly the defenders. But how can one fault players who arrived at this World Cup aiming for a third star, only to be devastated by their semi-final loss and subsequently compelled to fight for a merely anecdotal bronze medal?
For England and their German coach, Thomas Tuchel, who faced intense criticism after Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Argentina, the result offers a small, albeit bittersweet, consolation. Tuchel conceded that they had “dreamed of the most glorious success and were filled with ambition. Under these conditions, it becomes very painful not to sweep everything.”
Nevertheless, England achieved their best World Cup result since their sole title victory in 1966.
