(Miami) The French national team concluded their World Cup campaign on a somber note, failing to deliver a celebratory send-off for departing coach Didier Deschamps. In a truly wild “small final” for third place, France was defeated 6-4 by England on Saturday. The match witnessed a spectacular double from Kylian Mbappé, who now stands alone as the record holder for most goals in World Cup history.
This outcome proved particularly harsh for the now former leader of the French squad. Despite his urging for his players not to undervalue this final encounter, even with no ultimate prize at stake, the loss casts a shadow over an otherwise commendable World Cup journey, marred by their semi-final elimination. It also doesn’t fully reflect the immense contributions Deschamps made to the French selection since taking the helm in 2012.
The coach will undoubtedly remember his turbulent farewell on the Hard Rock Stadium pitch, a game featuring an astonishing ten goals between the two teams and an unbelievable narrative. “It’s the end of something that represented the most beautiful,” Deschamps stated after the match, vowing to become a “silent supporter” of the French national team.
Deschamps, who had hoped to conclude his successful 14-year tenure at the head of the French team on a high note, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. He came perilously close to humiliation after a dreadful first half, only for his players, spearheaded by captain Mbappé, to mount a late but ultimately futile resurgence.
The French squad, evidently still reeling from their 2-0 semi-final exit against Spain on Tuesday, bore the brunt of England’s attack in the first half. They conceded four goals from Declan Rice (3rd minute), Ezri Konsa (18th minute), and a double from Bukayo Saka (37th, 45th+1 minute), who effortlessly breached a listless and overwhelmed defense. Deschamps himself described it as an “unpresentable first half.”
Midfielder Adrien Rabiot, known for his outspoken nature, similarly criticized the first period as “shameful.” The AC Milan player lamented, “We cannot be content with doing things so sloppily.”
The French defense was leaking goals from all angles, prompting Deschamps to make no fewer than four substitutions at halftime. The introduction of attackers Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, alongside defenders Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne, immediately revitalized the French side. They quickly narrowed the deficit with goals from Mbappé (48th, 66th minute) and Barcola (54th minute), setting the stage for an almost surreal conclusion to the game.
Valiant but Vain Comeback
Despite this valiant effort, the French were ultimately unable to provide a fitting farewell for their coach. Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot (87th minute), before Jude Bellingham’s goal in stoppage time extinguished France’s last hopes, coming just after Ousmane Dembélé had scored a late consolation (90th+6 minute).
While the outcome was disappointing for Deschamps, the French attackers, who had struggled to find their rhythm against Spain in the semi-final, at least rediscovered, for 45 minutes, the spectacular play that had captivated the world earlier in the tournament.
Though denied 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 holds the sole record for World Cup goals and leads the scoring charts for the 2026 edition with 10 goals.
“I would have preferred to set the record aside and have the chance to participate in the final instead,” Mbappé expressed.
The French captain felt that his team was “completely stunned” by England’s dominant first 45 minutes.
I can understand some who think it’s a mockery, that we didn’t respect the jersey. I would say more that 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 star status. Already the Golden Boot winner in 2022 in Qatar, the Real Madrid forward is well-positioned to retain his title, unless the Argentine superstar delivers an extraordinary performance in the final.
Deschamps, however, could not say the same for other French players, who appeared largely disengaged for much of 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 heartbroken by their semi-final defeat and then compelled to battle for an inconsequential bronze medal?
For England and their German coach Thomas Tuchel, who faced intense criticism after their 2-1 loss to Argentina on Wednesday, the result offered a small, albeit minor, consolation. “We dreamed of the most glorious success and were filled with ambition. Under these conditions, it becomes very painful not to win everything,” Tuchel admitted.
Nevertheless, England achieved their best World Cup finish since their sole title victory in 1966.
