France’s World Cup dreams were shattered in a single night. Despite arriving in top form with six consecutive victories since the tournament’s start, the French side crumbled against a resolute Spain in Tuesday’s semifinal (0-2). This marked the third time in recent major tournaments—following the Euro 2024 and Nations League 2025—that France fell to Spain in the semifinals, unable to match the Roja’s collective strength and tactical precision.

“We were technically inferior—that’s on us,” admitted Didier Deschamps after the final whistle. However, the French manager also voiced concerns about the match’s officiating. “Let me ask this: does the referee have the level to handle a semifinal? I won’t answer that, but there were several key moments…”, he remarked.

He continued on beIN Sports, “If I say anything, I’ll be seen as a sore loser because we lost. But I’m asking: does the referee have the level for a semifinal? There was the penalty, but it wasn’t just that—there were other issues too. I’m not criticizing tonight’s referee, but ask yourself the question.”

“I don’t think the referee favored either side”

Luis de la Fuente wasn’t about to let Deschamps’ remarks go unanswered. In a press conference, the Spanish manager fired back with a pointed remark: “When results don’t go your way, people often look for excuses… We’ve had our own tough moments with the referees, like against Uruguay. The officials’ approach is to let the game flow.”

He added, “If Deschamps truly said that… both teams faced the same officiating. I don’t believe the referee favored one side. We had a goal disallowed for offside, but I’m not focusing on the referees. Everyone needs to improve: referees, VAR, all of us involved in this beautiful game, so we can get better every day.”

Rodri, Spain’s captain, also weighed in on the refereeing debate. “We’ve managed these situations in three consecutive matches. They’re talking about 10 or 15 uncalled fouls. If referees don’t whistle, defenders keep playing the same way. Today was especially clear. But the referee did a great job,” he stated, addressing the number of fouls Lamine Yamal endured during the game.

With the French side’s individual performances falling short and questions lingering over Deschamps’ tactical decisions, Les Bleus will aim to salvage some pride in the third-place playoff on Saturday (11 PM), their final match under the guidance of Didier Deschamps. Meanwhile, Spain will push for a second World Cup title (after 2010) against either Argentina or England.