French Embassy Rebukes Racist Claims by Ex-Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy amid 2026 World Cup Semi-finals

In a tense build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals between France and Spain, former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy sparked a wave of controversy with his racially charged comments questioning the Frenchness of France's national team. Rajoy, in an article published on El Debate, acknowledged the high quality of the French squad but provocatively claimed that they contain "no French players."

The French Embassy in Spain swiftly responded, firmly reaffirming the French nationality of the team members. Their statement highlighted that out of the 26 squad members, 23 were born in France, while the remaining three, though born abroad, all hold French citizenship. This response came in the wake of earlier racist remarks directed at French captain Kylian Mbappé by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla.

The controversy unfolded as France solidified its position in the tournament by defeating Morocco to reach the semi-finals. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed strong support for the team, declaring, "Tonight, we will all be behind our Blues." Despite racial provocations, Mbappé responded to insults with grace, calling attention to the damage such comments cause.

This incident underscores ongoing challenges around racism in football, especially during high-stakes international competitions. The French Embassy's quick rebuttal and the public backing from figures like President Macron emphasize a commitment to defending the French players' identity and combating discrimination.

As the semi-final looms, the French team stands united, not only in their athletic prowess but also in their national pride, ready to face the challenges both on and off the pitch.