France’s Rayan Cherki following Spain defeat: ‘The only team capable of knocking us out was ourselves.’ | OneFootball

Whilst Didier Deschamps complained about the quality of refereeing as France exited the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the semi-final stage, Rayan Cherki (22) laid the blame on him and his teammates. 

Les Bleus had been touted as the favourites to win the World Cup thanks to their performances throughout the campaign. However, there were no signs of the free-flowing attacking performances evidenced throughout the summer in Dallas. 

La Roja effectively stifled Les Bleus to reach Sunday’s final (2-0). In a post-match mixed zone interview attended by Get French Football News, Cherki wasn’t looking for excuses. “We are immensely disappointed because we lost against ourselves. We didn’t lose against the referee or Spain,” said the Manchester City forward.

Cherki continued, “You all know that we scared everyone. The only team capable of knocking us out was ourselves.” France must now console themselves with having to face either Argentina or England in the third-place play-off on Saturday.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle