Deschamps lashes out at referee after France exit

Didier Deschamps questioned the standard of the officials after France’s 2-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals.

France failed to reach the final for the third straight tournament, and their coach voiced anger over the referee’s performance without pointing to any one incident.

“I ask a question and I will not answer it: was this referee at the level of a World Cup semi-final?” Deschamps said after the match. He added that France had deserved to win, but said some decisions left him unhappy.

Deschamps stopped short of going into further detail, saying only that matches at this stage demand better officiating.

Spain’s win took them into the second World Cup final in their history. They will face the winner of Argentina against England.