Mbappé comments on France’s loss in the 2026 World Cup third-place match.

Kylian Mbappé, captain of the French national team, expressed his disappointment after his country’s 6-4 loss to England in the 2026 World Cup third-place match, stating that the players did not perform to the expected level during the first half, which led to a painful end to coach Didier Deschamps’ era.

Speaking after the match, Mbappé said the French team showed two different personalities, explaining that the team was not up to the responsibility during the first 45 minutes, which resulted in a four-goal deficit. He added that the players let Deschamps down in his final game in charge of Les Bleus.

The France captain noted that the team regained their balance after the break, explaining that the players entered the second half with a different mindset and managed to deliver a better performance. He considered the positive response a reflection of the work Deschamps has done throughout his years leading the team, despite their failure to give him a victory in his farewell match.

Mbappé made a point of thanking the French coach, emphasizing that what Deschamps has done with the team over many years will remain present, and that losing one match will not diminish the magnitude of his achievements with the French national team.

Regarding his personal achievement of becoming the all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 22 goals, along with leading the 2026 World Cup scoring charts with 10 goals, the Real Madrid star stressed that these numbers do not make up for losing the chance to compete for the title. He stated that he would have preferred to reach the final and win the World Cup rather than achieve individual milestones.

In his closing remarks, Mbappé spoke about the upcoming final, expressing confidence in Argentine star Lionel Messi’s ability to leave his mark. He said Messi always shows up in big moments, and predicted that he would score in the World Cup final.