Kylian Mbappe, the leader of the French national team, praised Lamine Yamal and the Spanish squad following Spain's victory in the 2026 World Cup. He referred to them as the "best team in the world" after they defeated France 2-0 in the semifinals.

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Since rising to prominence during the 2018 World Cup, Mbappe has guided France to remarkable success: they won the World Cup in 2018, reached the final in 2022, and progressed to the semifinals in 2026. However, the recent loss to Spain highlighted tactical issues within the French team when faced with elite possession-based play.

In an interview with Diario AS's Jose Felix Diaz, Mbappe remarked on the semifinal setback, saying, "They won, and in football, when you win, you’re right. I think we failed with our initial game plan. It wasn’t a good day... We didn’t play the match we needed to play, simple as that, and I think it was a missed opportunity for us."

Spain's strategy of controlling possession effectively limited a French attack that had averaged almost three goals per match in the tournament. Against Spain, however, France failed to score, recording only three shots on target and not forcing a save from Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon.

When asked if France still held the title of global dominance due to their recent performances, Mbappe accepted Spain's current superiority. "I always say that the one who dominates is the one who wins, and right now the team that dominates is Spain, because they won and we have to accept it," he said. He acknowledged France's quality but emphasized the necessity of accepting Spain’s achievements.

Spain showcased their strength throughout the tournament, conceding only one goal before their final victory over Argentina, solidifying their status as a top football nation.

Mbappe also reflected on his individual performance in the tournament, where he competed for the Golden Boot, ultimately finishing with ten goals compared to Lionel Messi's eight. He commented on the significance of the World Cup, stating it is the event that garners global attention and leaves lasting memories.

Despite the defeat, Mbappe’s comments suggest a respect for his opponents while also underlining the competitive nature of international football.