Credit: David Ramos/Getty Images

(CNN)-- French player Kylian Mbappé expressed his regret after his country's team failed to reach the final of the 2026 World Cup, held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Mbappé and his teammates on the 'Roosters' team lost to Spain 2-0 at the Dallas stadium on Tuesday in the semifinal round.

In statements reported by Euro Sport website on Wednesday night, Kylian Mbappé said: 'We didn't play the match we were preparing for; we let them impose their rhythm. When Spain imposes its rhythm, their ball control and technical level make it more difficult; we couldn't change this balance of power.'

He added: 'At the start, under pressure, we always found ourselves in a three-against-two situation in midfield, but against Spain, it was more complicated. In the end, Fabián Ruiz and Rodri (Spain's midfielders) had a great opportunity to play while we were pressing on the center-backs.'

He continued: 'There was a lack of communication regarding pressing; we needed to play individually and force them to run with us. They are a team that doesn't like running without the ball; we didn't handle that well.'

The 27-year-old added: 'We didn't do what was needed to reach the World Cup final; when you don't do what you're supposed to do in the semifinal, you don't win.'

Mbappé had scored 8 goals in the current World Cup, sharing the top scorer ranking with Argentine star Lionel Messi.