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FIFA news: Racism storm erupts ahead of France-Spain clash
SEN • July 14th, 2026 1:40 pm
- Spain v France 5am AEST Wednesday July 15
World Cup daily news. We will bring you the latest from around the world as the FIFA World Cup 2026™ finally gets under way (All times AEST).
Not for the first time this World Cup, France have unintentionally become engulfed in a racism scandal with a former Spanish PM being condemned for comments written in a column.
Former Spanish conservative Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has sparked fury writing that the French national side “does not have any French players”.
The 71-year-old, who was in office from 2011-2018, wrote a preview to the semi-final in Spanish outlet El Debate.
“It’s worth remembering that France has been a two-time world champion and was a finalist in the last World Cup,” Rajoy wrote. “They’ve won every match they’ve played in this World Cup and are currently ranked No 1 in the Fifa rankings.
"They also have a top-level squad. That said, they don’t have any French players. And they’re playing very well. They’ll be a formidable opponent.”
Rajoy's comments drew criticism form Spain's current PM Pedro Sanchez.
“There are those who still measure belonging by surname, place of birth, or skin colour,” he wrote on X.
“Others measure it by our roots in a country and our will to contribute to it. Playing football. Caring for our elders. Or opening businesses. Spain belongs to those who love it and work for it. Not to those who shame it with xenophobic statements.
“France, we’ll see you in the semi-finals. May the best team win and may racism lose.”
Only last week, France superstar Kylian Mbappe called out a Paraguayan senator for her despicable attack on the 27-year-old which has prompted French officials to launch an investigation.
After France eliminated Paraguay, Celeste Amarilla, a senator from Paraguay’s Liberal Radical party launched a horrendous attack on Mbappe which was described by the FFF as “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable”.
SEN will not republish Amarilla's comments but they sparked a furious response from Mbappe who posted to social media: “Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition."
France will play Spain in for a place in the World Cup final at 5am AEST Wednesday July 15. You can listen live across SEN stations and the app.
