Mbappe calls France's 6-4 loss to England a shame for Deschamps
England defeated France 6-4 in the FIFA World Cup third-place match on July 19, 2026. After the game, France captain Kylian Mbappe told French broadcaster M6 that the loss was a shame for head coach Didier Deschamps, whom he and his teammates wanted to honour with a win. Mbappe added that the defeat would not tarnish Deschamps’ legacy, noting that the French star still wants to thank the coach for everything he has done for the national team. Deschamps is set to step down after the World Cup, with former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane widely expected to succeed him as Les Bleus’ new head coach.
The match marked the end of Deschamps’ lengthy tenure as France coach, a period that included a World Cup win in 2018 and a final appearance in 2022. Finishing his last game with a heavy defeat leaves a bittersweet note on his legacy, while Mbappe’s public tribute shows the respect and unity within the squad despite the disappointment. For football fans worldwide—including Nigerians who follow stars like Mbappe and follow international tournaments—the result signals a potential transition period for Les Bleus, raising questions about team direction, player morale, and upcoming competitions.
With Deschamps departing and Zidane poised to take over, supporters should watch how the new coach integrates the squad, especially ahead of upcoming qualifiers and friendlies. How do you think Zidane’s possible appointment will affect France’s prospects in future tournaments, and what should fans expect from the new era?