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)
The article reports on quotes and events without taking a stance on the referee's performance or the match outcome.
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