French team: Aurélien Tchouaméni explains why he played injured against Spain

France midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni has explained his decision to play through an injury during the 2026 World Cup semi-final against Spain. Speaking on his show The Bridge, the Real Madrid player stated that adrenaline and the ambition of playing in a World Cup semi-final drove his decision to return. France was eliminated after suffering a 0-2 defeat against La Roja.

Tchouaméni faced heavy criticism following his performance against Spanish midfielders Rodri and Fabián Ruiz after missing matches against Paraguay and Morocco. Manager Didier Deschamps acknowledged before the fixture that Tchouaméni was not fully recovered but decided to start him. Tchouaméni remarked that critics often turn players into scapegoats when injured returns end in defeat.