World Cup 2026: Deschamps regrets the ‘bad refereeing’ in France’s defeat against Spain

France coach Didier Deschamps questioned the referee after France’s 2-0 World Cup semi-final loss to Spain on Tuesday.

While admitting that his team was technically inferior and outmatched, Deschamps berated referee Ivan Barton and asked reporters: “Is the referee at the level required to officiate a World Cup semi-final?”

Deschamps’ frustrations stemmed from some key refereeing decisions during the match in Arlington, Texas.

He was particularly upset by a penalty awarded to Spain in the first half, which occurred when left-back Lucas Digne made contact with Lamine Yamal.

Additionally, Deschamps was frustrated by several other decisions, including a reckless foul by Yamal who left without a yellow card.

He indicated that there were “quite a few situations” and unfavorable decisions that impacted the match, although he preferred not to give more details so as not to seem like a sore loser.

Read also: There is nothing better than being world champion: Deschamps, France coach

“I’ll ask a trick question and I won’t answer it,” Deschamps said. “Is the referee at the level required to officiate a World Cup semi-final?

“And I’m not just saying this because we lost today. There were quite a few situations. There were also some favorable decisions.”

Despite pointing the finger at the referees, Deschamps candidly acknowledged that Spain controlled the match well and that France was “one level below on a technical level.”

“The players are devastated because we had a lot of ambition, although we also have to be realistic and recognize that today we were one step below on a technical level against a team that controlled the game well.

“But first of all, it’s our fault, I don’t want to blame anyone.”