With the World Cup semi-final still fresh in the minds of France’s players, Adrien Rabiot has pointed to tactics rather than talent after the 2-0 defeat by Spain on 14 July.
The Ligue 1 news
Rabiot, now with AC Milan, said France do not fall short of Spain in terms of the quality available to the squad. Instead, he believes Spain held the edge in their preparation and game plan for the World Cup last-four meeting.
“Against Spain, it was not a question of lacking quality,” Rabiot said. “Humbly, we do not have less quality than that team. They were better tactically and perhaps prepared for that match more effectively.”
The midfielder was also asked about France’s wider recent record against La Roja, following defeats to Spain at Euro 2024 and in the 2025 Nations League.
He described Spain as the opponent who have caused France the greatest problems among the teams they have faced in recent years.
“Of all the sides we have played in recent seasons, Spain are the one that have troubled us most,” he said. “If we meet them again, we will have to find the answer, certainly through tactical work. The quality is there, both individually and collectively.”
The next appointment in France
France begin their Nations League campaign in Turkey on Friday, with the team looking to move on from the World Cup disappointment and turn Rabiot’s diagnosis into a sharper response on the pitch.
