(Miami) The French national team failed to give Didier Deschamps a fitting send-off in his final match, as Les Bleus succumbed to a 6-4 defeat against England on Saturday in the World Cup’s “petite finale.” This utterly wild encounter saw Kylian Mbappé net a brace, solidifying his sole ownership of the all-time World Cup goal record.
This outcome proved harsh for the departing manager of Les Bleus, who had urged his squad not to undervalue their final match despite the lack of a major stake. It casts a shadow over an otherwise commendable World Cup journey, despite their elimination in the semi-finals, and fails to adequately reflect Deschamps’ significant contributions to the French national team since 2012.
The seasoned coach will long remember his tumultuous farewell on the Hard Rock Stadium pitch, where an astonishing ten goals were scored by both sides in a match with an unbelievable narrative. “This marks the end of something that represented the most beautiful aspect of my career,” the manager stated after the game, vowing to become a “silent supporter” of Les Bleus.
Deschamps, who had hoped to conclude his 14 successful years at the helm of the French national team on a high note, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, coming perilously close to humiliation after a dreadful first half before his players, spurred by captain Mbappé, mounted a late but ultimately futile comeback.
The Tricolores, clearly still reeling from their 2-0 semi-final exit against Spain on Tuesday, were overwhelmed by England in the first half, conceding four goals. Declan Rice (3rd minute), Ezri Konsa (18th minute), and Bukayo Saka (37th, 45th+1 minute) effortlessly breached an apathetic and overwhelmed French defense. Deschamps himself characterized it as an “unpresentable first half.”
Midfielder Adrien Rabiot, known for his outspokenness, lambasted the first half as “shameful.” “We cannot be content with botching things like that,” the AC Milan player sharply remarked.
The French backline was porous, forcing Deschamps to make no fewer than four substitutions at halftime. The introduction of attackers Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, along with defenders Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne, revitalized Les Bleus. They reduced the deficit through Mbappé (48th, 66th minutes) and Barcola (54th minute), setting the stage for an almost surreal conclusion to the match.
vain resurgence
Ultimately, this surge proved to be in vain, and the French could not provide a triumphant farewell for their manager. Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot (87th minute), before Jude Bellingham’s injury-time goal extinguished France’s last hopes, coming just after a late strike from Ousmane Dembélé (90th+6 minute).
While the outcome was disappointing for Deschamps, the French attackers, who had struggled against La Roja in the semi-final, at least rediscovered for 45 minutes the spectacular flair that had captivated the world earlier in the tournament.
Despite missing out on a second World Cup title after 2018, Mbappé departs the competition with his head held high. With 22 goals across three final phases, he now holds the exclusive record for most goals in the World Cup and comfortably leads the 2026 edition’s scoring charts with 10 goals.
“I would have preferred to set the record aside and instead have the chance to participate in the final,” Mbappé expressed.
The French captain felt that Les Bleus were “completely stunned” by England’s opening 45 minutes.
I can understand some who think it’s a mockery, that we didn’t respect the jersey. I would rather say we were human, and unfortunately, we cannot afford to be human.
Kylian Mbappé
Nevertheless, Mbappé has put significant pressure on his direct rival, Lionel Messi, who will have every 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 in 2022, the Real Madrid forward is well-positioned to retain the award, unless the Albiceleste star produces an extraordinary performance in the final.
Deschamps cannot say the same for other French players, who appeared largely disengaged from the match for extended periods, particularly the defenders. However, how can one truly blame players who came to this World Cup aiming for a third star, only to be heartbroken by their semi-final defeat and subsequently forced to contend for an inconsequential bronze medal?
For England and their German coach Thomas Tuchel, who faced intense scrutiny after Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to Argentina, the result offers a small measure of consolation. But only a small one. “We dreamed of the most glorious success and were filled with ambition. Under these circumstances, it becomes very painful not to sweep everything,” Tuchel conceded.
Nevertheless, England achieved their best World Cup result since their sole title victory in 1966.