France captain Kylian Mbappe has expressed disappointment after England defeated France 6-4 in the FIFA World Cup third-place match, describing the result as a disappointing farewell for head coach Didier Deschamps.
According to a Daily Post report published on Sunday, July 19, 2026, Mbappe told French broadcaster M6 that the team had hoped to end Deschamps’ tenure with a victory.
“We didn’t win, and that is a shame for the coach. We wanted to do something for him, and the first half gave the impression that we let him down, even if that wasn’t the feeling we intended. But we thank him for everything he’s done. This match won’t tarnish Didier Deschamps’ legend,” Mbappe said.
The match marked Deschamps’ final game in charge of France, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to succeed him.
France finished the tournament having played eight matches, scoring 20 goals and conceding 10. Mbappe remains in contention for the Golden Boot after registering 10 goals and three assists, while Argentina captain Lionel Messi has recorded eight goals and four assists.
