World Cup 2026: Rayan Cherki admits Spain were superior after France’s semi-final defeat

France players acknowledge tactical difference following 2-0 loss in Dallas

France midfielder Rayan Cherki has admitted Spain were the better side after Les Bleus suffered a 2-0 defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, saying La Roja outperformed his team “in every aspect of the game.”

The result ended France’s hopes of reaching another World Cup final, with Spain producing a display that left the French players acknowledging the gap between the two sides on the night.

Speaking after the match, Cherki said Spain’s pressing and tactical organisation made the difference throughout the contest.

“I don’t know if we lacked solutions, or desire. Today, they were more prolific in winning back possession than we were. If we had been able to win back more balls, we could have hurt them more.”

The Manchester City player admitted that the disappointment within the France squad was significant following their elimination but insisted the defeat was not caused by a lack of commitment.

“I don’t think it was a lack of desire. They were tactically superior to us, better positioned.”

Lacroix praises Spain’s tactical approach

Defender Maxence Lacroix, who came on after William Saliba was forced off through injury, shared a similar assessment of the match.

The centre-back said Spain’s tactical plan disrupted France’s play and prevented them from making the most of their attacking quality.

“They had a very good tactic against us. They knew where to press. We should have made better use of the quality we have. They were good, we didn’t show the image we wanted to show. It was a tricky match to find the forwards. They played their game. They were better, we have to accept it. We’ll learn from our mistakes.”

His comments reflected the mood within the French camp after a defeat that ended their hopes of returning to the World Cup final.

Spain’s organisation proves decisive

Throughout the match in Dallas, Spain controlled key moments and limited France’s opportunities to influence the game.

According to the French players, La Roja’s positioning and pressing made it difficult for Les Bleus to build attacks or create clear openings.

Cherki pointed to Spain’s ability to regain possession as one of the decisive factors behind the result, while Lacroix highlighted the effectiveness of their pressing and tactical discipline.

The defeat leaves France to reflect on a campaign that ended in the semi-finals, while Spain advance to the World Cup final after another convincing performance.

Although disappointment was evident among the French squad, both Cherki and Lacroix accepted that Spain deserved the victory.

Rather than searching for excuses, the players acknowledged that their opponents executed their game plan more effectively and produced the stronger performance on the night.

France will now turn their attention to the third-place play-off, while Spain continue their pursuit of a second FIFA World Cup title.