13/07/2026 12:29 - Deportes
The buildup to the France vs. Spain semifinal match at the 2026 World Cup was unexpectedly clouded by xenophobic remarks. On July 10, 2026, former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy published an editorial in the Spanish outlet El Debate analyzing the French squad, claiming they possess a very high level, but without any French players.
The response was swift, crossing the entire French and Spanish political spectrum. France's Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, called the words absolutely unacceptable and lamented that they fuel racist attacks against players. For her part, the Minister Delegate for Francophonie, Éléonore Caroit, was blunt: All the players on the France team are French. End of story.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the phrase via social media. Spain belongs to those who love it and work for it. Not to those who embarrass it with xenophobic statements. France, see you in the semifinals. May the best team win and may racism lose, Sánchez wrote. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares called the comment hurtful and dangerous.
The French Embassy in Madrid countered the claims with revealing data: of the 26 players called up by Didier Deschamps, 23 were born in France. The three born abroad (Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram, and Brice Samba) also hold French nationality. This debate over national identity and immigration in French football is not new; it gained traction after their 1998 World Cup title when far-right sectors questioned the team's representation.
The controversy arises just before the key match on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, where France and Spain will battle for a ticket to the final. The winner will face the victor of the Argentina vs. England match, scheduled for July 15, 2026 in Atlanta. Despite the controversy, the sporting spirit and unity beyond skin colors and origins remain the great message of hope for this World Cup.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
