Didier Deschamps criticised the refereeing standards following France’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup semi-final clash in Dallas on Wednesday.

Luis de la Fuente’s side sealed a 2-0 finish over the 2018 World Cup champions, with Pedro Porro and Mikel Oyarzabal scoring goals to help Spain emerge victorious.

Match officials faced criticism for poor decision‑making after referee Ivan Barton awarded Spain a first‑half penalty in the 19th minute, following Lucas Digne’s foul on Lamine Yamal.

‘Is the referee good enough to officiate?’

Speaking to reporters after the match, Deschamps questioned the match referee’s credibility to officiate a World Cup semi-final match. He also said that the players are devastated following the defeat as they had high ambitions.

"There is obviously a lot of disappointment. The players are devastated because we had high ambitions.

"Although we have to be realistic and acknowledge that today we were a step below technically against a team that knew what they were doing. It’s primarily our fault. Then I ask a question, and I’m not going to answer it: ‘Is the referee good enough to officiate a World Cup semi-final?’" Deschamps said.

What happened during the match?

France had possession of the ball, and with Yamal building pressure, Digne inadvertently kicked him in the thigh. The replay showed that the French star had his eyes on the ball and did not see the Spanish footballer challenging him as he charged from behind.

Yamal was too bright to win this penalty man😂👊Digne isn't looking, he tries to clear the ball but Yamal drifts in from behind him and gets taken out! pic.twitter.com/1MuNtkc9Qq— utdzaire🇨🇩 (@utdZaiire) July 14, 2026

Yamal was too bright to win this penalty man😂👊Digne isn't looking, he tries to clear the ball but Yamal drifts in from behind him and gets taken out! pic.twitter.com/1MuNtkc9Qq

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Following the challenge, referee Barton handed Spain a penalty kick, and Oyarzabal scored from the spot to give Spain a 1-0 lead over France.

Spain’s 2-1 victory helped them advance to the final, and they would face the winner of the Argentina vs England clash on Monday, July 20. Les Blues will now face off in the third-place playoffs on Sunday, July 19.