What a contrast. After the disconcerting ease with which Les Bleus reached the World Cup semi-finals, seeing them so thoroughly dominated by Spain came as a shock to the Dallas crowd on Tuesday night. Yes, France, so strong both offensively and defensively throughout the tournament, cracked against Spain at the gates of a third straight final. And there was no contest.

In control for the entire match, Spain made their advantage count with a penalty won by Lamine Yamal and converted by Mikel Oyarzabal (22'), before pulling away on a collective move finished by Dani Olmo, the provider, and Pedro Porro, the scorer (58'). France, for their part, never looked capable of creating chances. The frustration is immense for Didier Deschamps' men. But their tournament will remain a thrill.

An attack for the ages

The attacking trio of Ousmane Dembélé, 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, Kylian Mbappé, 8-time nominee, and Michael Olise, 1-time nominee, will long be remembered as a sensational strike force. And defensively, nothing seemed to trouble this team. Their run through the tournament proves it.

France had begun their World Cup in style, with a convincing 3-1 win over Senegal thanks to a first brace from Kylian Mbappé. The intensity carried over against Iraq, whom Les Bleus duly beat 3-0, with another Mbappé double. The captain then turned provider, setting up a hat-trick for Ousmane Dembélé in the final group match, as the reigning Ballon d'Or winner enjoyed himself against Norway (4-1).

An unbeaten run to the semis

Sweden fared no better in the round of 16 (3-0), undone by a third Mbappé double of the tournament. Michael Olise even chipped in with his 5th assist of the tournament. Less prolific in front of goal and more disjointed, the round-of-16 match against Paraguay (1-0) didn't stop Mbappé from scoring, from the penalty spot, after a foul on Désiré Doué, a one-time Ballon d'Or and Kopa Trophy nominee.

Finally, in the quarter-finals, France had dominated Morocco without forcing the issue and without ever looking troubled (2-0). Kylian Mbappé, despite missing a first-half penalty, managed to score the opener, before Ousmane Dembélé doubled the lead. Yes, this France team had looked untouchable. It will remain an unfinished memory, but a magical one.