Deschamps defends Rabiot swap amid France’s World Cup fallout

France’s 2‑0 semi‑final defeat to Spain ended the Bleus’ World Cup ambitions and placed head coach Didier Deschamps under intense scrutiny, as he defended the decision to remove Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who he said practically asked to be taken off. Les Bleus entered the tournament as absolute favourites, having won every match, but the 2‑0 loss to Spain ended their hopes of lifting the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The defeat erased the momentum built from the opening games and left the squad without a chance to contest the final. Controversy erupted over Deschamps’ line‑up choices, notably the selection of Aurelien Tchaouameni in the starting XI instead of Roma’s Manu Kone. The decision sparked debate among French supporters and pundits. At half‑time Deschamps chose to substitute Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot rather than Tchaouameni, a move reported by L’Equipe to have frustrated and bemused many in the squad. Rabiot’s removal came despite his involvement in the first half.

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Speaking ahead of the third‑place final against England, Deschamps said Rabiot approached him at the first hydration break and said, “I can’t play my normal game anymore.” He added that the midfielder’s request was the main reason for the substitution. Deschamps, a former player, explained he understood the situation, recalling his own experience of playing with a yellow‑card risk in two semi‑finals. He said, “I was a player, so I understand perfectly well.”

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Rabiot had been booked in the first half and faced the genuine risk of a second yellow before being hauled off at half‑time, though his overall performance was among the better on the day. Deschamps described the midfield as “wide open, so the threat can come from anywhere,” and called the half‑time substitution a risk assessment, using the break as a window of opportunity. Although all yellow cards were wiped clean after the quarter‑final, a red card would still have suspended Rabiot even if France had reached the final, underscoring the stakes of the decision. Deschamps remains the Head Coach of France, a role he displayed during the UEFA Nations League match between Italy and France in MILAN on 17 November 2024, and he will lead the side into the third‑place match against England.