Deschamps says France ‘devastated’ by defeat, questions referee
France head coach Didier Deschamps expressed deep disappointment following his team's semi-final loss to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Deschamps also questioned the performance of referee Ivan Barton, specifically regarding a penalty decision.
Why it matters
The World Cup is a major global sporting event, and high-profile coaching critiques of officiating often spark debates about tournament integrity and refereeing standards.
France head coach Didier Deschamps reacts after losing the 2026 Fifa World Cup semi-final match against Spain. (AFP pic)
ARLINGTON: France coach Didier Deschamps said his players were left "devastated" by their World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain on Tuesday before aiming a barb at match referee Ivan Barton from El Salvador.
Deschamps' free-flowing French team had dazzled the competition en route to the last four, rattling in 16 goals in six games to earn comparisons to some of the greatest teams in World Cup history.
However, France's dreams of a third World Cup title were left in tatters after a dominant Spanish performance that left Deschamps, who is stepping down after the tournament, struggling for answers.
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