(Miami) The French national team failed to deliver a memorable send-off for Didier Deschamps, as the Bleus succumbed to a 6-4 defeat against England in the World Cup’s “small final” on Saturday. This utterly wild encounter, held in Miami, saw Kylian Mbappé achieve a remarkable double, solidifying his sole ownership of the all-time World Cup goal-scoring record.

This outcome proved a bitter end for the departing manager of the Bleus, who had urged his squad not to undervalue their final match despite the lack of a primary stake. The loss casts a shadow on an otherwise commendable World Cup journey, despite their elimination in the semifinals, and doesn’t fully reflect Deschamps’ significant contributions to the French national team since 2012.

The coach will undoubtedly remember his tumultuous farewell at Hard Rock Stadium, a match that saw an incredible 10 goals scored by both sides in an unbelievable scenario. “This is the end of something that represented the most beautiful,” Deschamps stated after the game, vowing to become a “silent supporter” of the Bleus.

Deschamps, who had hoped to conclude his 14 successful years at the helm of the French squad on a high note, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. He came perilously close to humiliation after a dreadful first half, before a late but ultimately futile resurgence from his players, spearheaded by captain Mbappé.

The Tricolores, clearly still reeling from their 2-0 semi-final exit against Spain on Tuesday, were overwhelmed by England in the first half. They conceded four goals from Declan Rice (3rd minute), Ezri Konsa (18th minute), and Bukayo Saka (37th, 45th+1 minutes), who easily breached a listless and outmatched defense. Deschamps himself described it as an “unpresentable first half.”

Midfielder Adrien Rabiot, known for his outspokenness, lambasted the first half as “shameful.” “We cannot be content with botching things like this,” the AC Milan player criticized.

The French defense was leaking from all sides, forcing Deschamps to make no fewer than four changes at halftime. The introductions of forwards Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, along with defenders Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne, suddenly revitalized the Bleus. They narrowed the deficit with goals from Mbappé (48th, 66th minutes) and Barcola (54th minute), setting the stage for a truly surreal end to the match.

A futile comeback

Ultimately, this surge proved futile. The French team couldn’t deliver a fitting farewell for their coach. Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot (87th minute), followed by a Jude Bellingham goal in stoppage time that extinguished France’s last hopes, just after Ousmane Dembélé had scored a late consolation (90th+6 minute).

While the outcome was disappointing for Deschamps, the French attackers, who had appeared lost against La Roja in the semi-final, at least rediscovered their spectacular play for 45 minutes, a style that had captivated the world earlier in the tournament.

Though denied a second World Cup title after their 2018 victory, 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 World Cup goals and currently leads the 2026 edition’s top scorer chart with 10 goals.

“I would have preferred to set the record aside and instead have the chance to participate in the final,” Mbappé expressed.

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

Nevertheless, Mbappé exerted significant pressure on his direct rival, Lionel Messi, who will have ample opportunity to respond to the Frenchman in the final against Spain on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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

Deschamps couldn’t say the same for the other Bleus, who for long stretches seemed disengaged from the match, particularly the defenders. However, it’s difficult to fault players who arrived at this World Cup dreaming of a third star, only to be heartbroken by their semi-final defeat and then compelled to fight for an inconsequential bronze medal.

For England and their German coach Thomas Tuchel, who faced intense criticism after their 2-1 loss to Argentina on Wednesday, the result offers a small, albeit minor, 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.

Despite their earlier disappointment, England has now achieved its best World Cup result since their sole title victory in 1966.