Didier Deschamps criticizes referee following France's World Cup semifinal loss
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 14, 2026, 9:52 PM
Last updated Jul 14, 2026
France's World Cup semifinal concluded with a 2-0 defeat against Spain on July 14, 2026. Coach Didier Deschamps expressed that his players were 'devastated' and questioned referee Iván Barton's competence, particularly after a disputed penalty awarded to Spain in the first half. Despite their strong performance throughout the tournament, France faced a dominant Spanish side. Deschamps is stepping down as coach after the tournament and cited the need for realism after this disappointing exit.
- •France lost 2-0 to Spain in the World Cup semifinals.
- •Didier Deschamps criticized referee Iván Barton post-match.
- •Spain was awarded an early penalty for a foul by Lucas Digne.
- •Deschamps said his team was outplayed in the match.
- •The defeat signifies the end of Deschamps' coaching tenure.
- 9:52 PMYahoo Sports — Deschamps says France 'devastated' by defeat, questions referee
- 9:51 PMYahoo Sports — France coach Didier Deschamps blamed the referee after World Cup semifinal loss to Spain
"France coach Didier Deschamps said his players were left "devastated" by their World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain on Tuesday before aiming a barb at match referee Ivan Barton from El Salvador."Is the referee at the level required to officiate a World Cup semi-final?
"Spain controlled the entire match, but Deschamps was still complaining about the officials.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 14, 2026, 9:52 PMDeschamps says France 'devastated' by defeat, questions referee
France coach Didier Deschamps said his players were left "devastated" by their World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain on Tuesday before aiming a barb at match referee Ivan Barton from El Salvador."Is the referee at the level required to officiate a World Cup semi-final?
- Yahoo SportsJul 14, 2026, 9:51 PMFrance coach Didier Deschamps blamed the referee after World Cup semifinal loss to Spain
Spain controlled the entire match, but Deschamps was still complaining about the officials.
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