Are France Eliminated After Losing to Spain In the World Cup Semifinal?

France's hopes of reaching the final for the third consecutive World Cup came to a devastating end. Spain clinched the win in style in Texas, as French hearts were broken in the semifinals.

Didier Deschamps' side entered the match carrying plenty of momentum after eliminating Morocco, Sweden, and Paraguay in the knockout rounds. However, they were unable to overcome the reigning European champions in one of the tournament's biggest clashes.

France lost 2-0 to Spain as the Spaniards head into a World Cup final for the first time since 2010.

Are France Officially Eliminated?

Yes. France has been eliminated from World Cup title contention following the semifinal loss to Spain.

Unlike group stages, a knockout loss eliminates the team from the competition. There is no concept of a second leg in the World Cup.

France, however, will not go home just yet; they will have to play a third-place match with the loser of Argentina vs. England.

The winner of that match will secure the bronze medal, while the loser finishes fourth in the tournament.

What Comes Next for France?

This was Didier Deschamps' last ever World Cup with France. Unfortunately, the run ended with a heartbreaking defeat yet again to Spain. France had already lost to Spain in the semifinals of Euro 2024 and the Nations League.

Despite the setback, Les Bleus remain one of international soccer's strongest teams after another deep run on the biggest stage.

Since joining Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé has NEVER beaten Lamine Yamal in a knockout game, both for France and Real Madrid! pic.twitter.com/ihLobF4O61

— FotMob (@FotMob) July 14, 2026

With Zinedine Zidane set to take over the talented French side, as rumors suggest, Kylian Mbappe and others need to bounce back in the future.

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This story was originally published July 14, 2026 at 1:54 PM.