Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday praised the national football team despite their 2-0 loss to Spain in the opening semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026. He highlighted the players’ dedication to representing the nation and described the group as young and promising.
In a message posted on X, Macron congratulated Spain on reaching the final for the second time and expressed confidence in the French team’s future. “Bravo to Spain for this qualification. Thank you to the Bleus for carrying our colours with commitment. Tonight’s defeat is hard to take, but this team is young and full of promise,” he wrote.
Spain delivered a strong performance at Dallas Stadium, using solid defence and sharp finishing to overcome France. Forward Mikel Oyarzabal scored first from a penalty after a challenge on Lamine Yamal. Full-back Pedro Porro added the second goal with a low finish following a pass from Dani Olmo and was named player of the match.
The victory sends Spain to the final against either England or Argentina at New York-New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. Spain last reached a World Cup final in 2010, when they defeated the Netherlands. Oyarzabal has now scored 18 goals in his last 20 appearances for Spain and reached 30 international goals overall.
France started as slight favourites and created early chances, but Spain took the lead from the penalty spot. Substitutions failed to shift momentum, and Spain controlled the game until the end.
