Kylian Mbappe has launched a scathing assessment of France’s World Cup exit, Lamine Yamal’s home has allegedly been targeted by thieves just hours after Spain reached the final, and multiple arrests have been made following clashes between England and Argentina fans.
All that and more in your latest edition of World Cup Daily.
Watch every round of The Open Championship LIVE & EXCLUSIVE on Fox Sports, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
MBAPPE HITS OUT AT DESCHAMPS AFTER WORLD CUP EXIT
Kylian Mbappe has launched a scathing assessment of France’s performance following its World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, criticising manager Didier Deschamps’ tactical approach, his teammates’ communication and the team’s execution.
France entered the tournament as one of the favourites but saw its World Cup dream come to an end with a 2-0 defeat to a composed Spanish outfit, who booked a place in Monday’s final against Argentina.
The French captain pointed to a tactical mismatch in midfield that he believes proved decisive.
“We were three against two in midfield, and against Spain, that’s hard,” Mbappe said.
“Fabian [Ruiz] and Rodri had plenty of time to play.
“There was a lack of communication on the press. I think we should have done man-to-man pressing and forced them to run with us.”
Mbappe also suggested France strayed too far from the game plan that had brought them success throughout the tournament.
“When you don’t do what you have to do in a World Cup semi-final, you don’t win,” he said.
“Spain respected their game plan and what the team usually does.
Argentina fans react to epic comeback | 02:26
“They like to control the ball and the tempo. Our plan was to press them high so they could not establish their rhythm because they are better than us at controlling a game.
“We didn’t manage to do it. We were too sloppy technically. We could not hurt them when we had the chance.
“Even when we recovered the ball, our first touches were not good enough. That brings defeat. It is a huge disappointment but, if we are objective, we didn’t put all the ingredients together to reach the final.”
Despite his criticism of the team’s tactical shortcomings, Mbappe also accepted responsibility for the defeat.
“At the end of the day, you take all the glory when you win, and when you don’t win, you have to — sorry — take the s***,” he said.
Deschamps has managed Mbappe throughout his entire international career, overseeing his breakthrough World Cup campaign in 2018 and helping guide France to multiple major tournaments.
Following the defeat to Spain, Deschamps will take charge of France for one final time in the third-place playoff against England before stepping down as manager.
He is expected to be replaced by former France teammate Zinedine Zidane, who has long been viewed as Deschamps’ successor following his departure from Real Madrid in 2021.
England & Argentina prep for semi final | 01:25
READ MORE
‘SACK HIM NOW!’: England coach torched over baffling WC fail
‘THE MALVINAS ARE ARGENTINE’: England stars held back in ugly World Cup scenes
THIEVES TARGET TEENAGE SUPERSTAR’S HOME AFTER WORLD CUP SEMI-FINAL WIN
Thieves allegedly attempted to break into Lamine Yamal’s Barcelona home just hours after Spain booked its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with victory over France.
Two men were reportedly spotted perched on a wall outside the teenage superstar’s mansion before attempting to gain access to the property.
Their alleged break-in was stopped after Yamal’s private security team detected the pair on surveillance cameras and quickly chased them from the scene.
Catalan police have since launched an investigation after emergency security protocols were activated at the property.
Yamal is currently in North America with the Spanish squad ahead of Monday’s World Cup final against Argentina.
The incident continues a worrying trend involving Barcelona players, with teammates Pau Cubarsí and Joan García also targeted by burglars this year.
Cubarsí reportedly had a luxury watch stolen during a break-in, while García was allegedly robbed of cash and jewellery after intruders entered his home.
Both players are currently away on international duty.
France STUNNED by supreme Spain | 02:20
ENGLAND AND ARGENTINA FANS ARRESTED AFTER SEMI-FINAL CHAOS
Multiple England and Argentina supporters were arrested after ugly scenes erupted following Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory in Atlanta.
Fights were reported outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium after full-time, prompting police to step in and make several arrests.
Images and videos from the scene showed men wearing both England and Argentina shirts being led away in handcuffs as authorities worked to bring the situation under control.
Further skirmishes were also reportedly recorded in New York City, Birmingham and London.
The unrest followed a crushing defeat for England, who appeared on course to reach the World Cup final after Anthony Gordon opened the scoring in the 55th minute.
But Argentina struck back late, with Enzo Fernandez equalising from long range five minutes from time before Lautaro Martínez completed the comeback with a stoppage-time header.
The result sent Argentina through to the final and left England nursing yet another painful semi-final exit.