Pedro Sanchez condemns Mariano Rajoy over France World Cup team remarks | OneFootball

Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez has condemned what he called xenophobic remarks by predecessor Mariano Rajoy, a former leader of the conservative Popular Party, about France’s national team. Rajoy had described Les Bleus as a side with no French players.

Rajoy made the claim in a column for El Debate, with Spain due to face France in the 2026 World Cup semi-final on Tuesday at 21:00. Sanchez responded in a post on X on Sunday.

Sanchez said some people still define belonging by surname, birthplace or skin colour.

He added that others see it as attachment to a country and a willingness to contribute, whether by playing football, caring for older people or opening businesses.

Sanchez said Spain belongs to those who love and sustain it, not to those who dishonour it with xenophobic statements. He addressed France ahead of the semi-final, saying he hoped the best team wins and racism loses.

Source: L'Équipe