Deschamps sparks controversy with scathing criticism of the officiating after France's defeat
Didier Deschamps did not hide his frustration with the officiating after France's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup semi-final.
France coach Didier Deschamps sharply criticized the officiating following his team's 0-2 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup semi-final, questioning whether the referee had the level required for the match.
"There were decisions I didn't understand, starting with the penalty awarded to Spain. I honestly have to ask myself: did this referee have the level to handle a World Cup semi-final? At this stage of the competition, there's no room for error."
Spain had opened the scoring from the penalty spot through Mikel Oyarzabal in the 22nd minute, before Pedro Porro doubled the lead in the 58th to seal the win for La Roja.
Deschamps' comments drew a swift response from the Spanish camp, with coach Luis de la Fuente dismissing them as an attempt to justify a fully deserved defeat, in a fresh escalation between the two camps ahead of the tournament final.