(Miami) The French national team’s farewell to coach Didier Deschamps was marred by a high-scoring 6-4 defeat against England in the World Cup’s third-place play-off on Saturday. This thrilling encounter witnessed Kylian Mbappé further solidify his record for most World Cup goals with a decisive brace.

This outcome proved a harsh conclusion for the departing manager of the French squad, who had urged his players not to undervalue this final match despite the absence of a major trophy at stake. It somewhat diminished an otherwise commendable World Cup journey, even after their semi-final exit, and didn’t fully reflect Deschamps’ significant contributions to French football since 2012.

The coach will undoubtedly remember his dramatic departure from the Hard Rock Stadium pitch, a spectacle featuring ten goals scored by both sides in a match with an unbelievable narrative. “It’s the end of something that represented the most beautiful,” the national coach stated after the game, vowing to become a “silent supporter” of Les Bleus.

Deschamps, who had hoped to conclude his successful 14-year tenure at the helm of the French national team on a positive note, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. He came perilously close to humiliation after a dreadful first half before his players, spearheaded by captain Mbappé, mounted a belated and ultimately futile comeback.

The French squad, clearly still reeling from their 2-0 semi-final defeat against Spain on Tuesday, were overwhelmed by the English in the opening half. Declan Rice (3^rd minute), Ezri Konsa (18^th minute), and Bukayo Saka (37^th, 45^th+1 minute) each found the net, easily breaching a disengaged and outmatched defense. Deschamps himself described it as an “unpresentable first half.”

Midfielder Adrien Rabiot, known for his outspokenness, lambasted the initial period as “shameful.” “We cannot simply be content with botching things like this,” the AC Milan player remarked.

The French defense was completely exposed, prompting Deschamps to make four substitutions at halftime. The introduction of forwards Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, alongside defenders Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne, revitalized Les Bleus. They quickly narrowed the deficit with goals from Mbappé (48^th, 66^th minutes) and Barcola (54^th minute), setting the stage for an extraordinary conclusion to the match.

Vain resurgence

Despite this spirited resurgence, it ultimately proved insufficient. The French could not secure a fitting farewell for their coach, as Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot (87^th minute), followed by a Jude Bellingham goal in stoppage time that extinguished France’s final hopes, coming just after Ousmane Dembélé had added another for France (90^th+6 minute).

While the outcome was disheartening for Deschamps, the attacking players, who had appeared lost against La Roja in the semi-final, at least rediscovered the spectacular style of play that had captivated the football world earlier in the tournament, albeit for only 45 minutes.

Though denied a second World Cup title after their 2018 triumph, Mbappé departs the competition with his head held high. With 22 goals across three final tournaments, he now stands as the sole record holder for most goals in World Cup history and leads the 2026 edition’s scoring charts with 10 goals.

“I would have preferred to put the record aside and instead have the opportunity to participate in the final,” Mbappé commented.

The French captain felt Les Bleus were “completely stunned” by England’s performance in the opening 45 minutes.

Nevertheless, Mbappé has exerted considerable pressure on his direct rival, Lionel Messi, who will have the chance to respond to the Frenchman in Sunday’s final against Spain in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The captain remained exemplary throughout his time in the United States, upholding his star status. Already the Golden Boot winner in 2022 in Qatar, the Real Madrid forward is well-positioned to retain the award, unless the Argentine superstar delivers an extraordinary performance in the final.

Deschamps, however, could not make the same claim for the rest of Les Bleus, many of whom appeared disengaged for much of the match, particularly the defenders. Yet, it is perhaps understandable for players who arrived at this World Cup aiming for a third star, only to be devastated by a semi-final defeat and then compelled to compete for a consolation bronze medal.

For England and their German coach Thomas Tuchel, who faced intense scrutiny following Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to Argentina, this result offers a minor, albeit bittersweet, consolation. “We dreamed of the most glorious success and were filled with ambition. Under these conditions, it becomes very painful not to sweep everything,” Tuchel admitted. England has nonetheless achieved its best World Cup performance since their sole title victory in 1966.