With a mouthwatering semi-final tie to come between France and Spain, all the focus should be on the football. Sadly, however, the World Cup meeting has been hijacked by some to push a racist agenda.

So far, France have probably been the strongest team this summer, with Kylian Mbappe and co essentially cruising all the way to the semi-finals. At this point, though, they will meet Spain, one of the other big favourites to win the tournament.

Unfortunatly, Mariano Rajoy, who served as Spain’s Prime Minister from 2011-2018, has sparked outrage with ‘disgraceful’ comments about the French national football team in the build-up to the game. Spanish defender Pau Cubarsi is among those to offer up a strong response to the quotes.

Former Spain PM Makes Racist France Claim

Action Images / Tony O’Brien

Former Spain PM Rajoy sparked a huge backlash with his recent comments, as he claimed that France ‘don’t have any French players.’ He wrote:

“What will happen? It’s not easy to answer such a question. Without going into too much detail, it’s worth remembering that France has been a two-time world champion and a finalist in the last edition. They’ve won every match they’ve played in this World Cup and are currently ranked number one in the FIFA rankings.

Among those to condemn the racists remaks was Spain’s current Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, who said: “There are those who still measure belonging by surname, place of birth, or skin color. Others measure it by our roots in a country and our will to contribute to it. Playing soccer. 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 semifinals. May the best one win and may racism lose.”

The French embassy in Madrid have also responded to Rajoy’s claims. They pointed out, “Without wanting to get into a controversy, it is worth recalling the facts: All the players on the French national team are French. Of the 26 players, 23 were born in France. The three who were born abroad are French as well.”

Adding to the voices of dissent against Rajoy’s deplorable comments, Spain World Cup star Cubarsi has spoken out. The 19-year-old defender rejected the racist notion, saying:

The Barcelona youngster has started every game for Spain this summer, conceding just one goal in those six matches. He will no doubt have to be at his best to mantain such an impressive record when up against France’s many talented attackers in the semi-final, which takes place at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, July 14.

Fenerbahce are optimistic on closing a deal to sign Mason Greenwood, GIVEMESPORT understands. However, Saudi side Al-Ahli made a call to explore a hijack on Sunday and have not yet given up hope of changing the player’s mind.

Fenerbahce already have an agreement in principle with Marseille worth more than €40million and believe they have player buy-in as well. Verbal terms are in place on a contract until summer 2030. The Turkish side are now trying to formalise the deal quickly to avoid any surprises.

Yet on Sunday Al-Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle spoken directly Greenwood to understand if a move to Saudi Arabia was possible. Al-Ahli are prepared to move if given encouragement, but Fenerbahçe are currently favourites to complete the transfer.

Greenwood has enjoyed a fruitful spell with Marseille

Greenwood joined Marseille in summer 2024 for around €30million, and Manchester United retain a sell-on approaching 50% and therefore stand to make a significant profit from the 24-year-old’s next move.

Greenwood has scored 48 times in 81 appearances for Marseille across two seasons.

Manchester United could have activated a matching-rights clause but never considered doing so. It was made clear to Greenwood in summer 2024 he had no future at Old Trafford and the club’s position on re-signing the striker has not altered two years on. He had also been linked with a return to the Premier League with Tottenham, but any rumours were swiftly put to bed.

Greenwood’s personal life led to Manchester United saying goodbye

Roma, Atletico Madrid Galatasaray and Juventus were also linked with making a move for the 24-year-old.

Greenwood was arrested by Greater Manchester Police in January 2022 on suspicion of rape and assault. On February 2, 2023, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges against Greenwood due to the withdrawal of key witnesses and “new material that came to light”. Greenwood denied the charges and in the end never had to face trial.

Manchester United held their own internal investigation and spoke to players, including from the women’s team, and stakeholders and decided a Greenwood loan to Getafe in 2023/24 was best for all parties before a year later selling the player to Marseille.

Outspoken British journalist Piers Morgan has caused more backlash this week with his controversial Lionel Messi claim ahead of England’s clash with Argentina on Wednesday night. The Three Lions are through to the semi-finals of the World Cup for just the fourth time in their history after a 2-1 win over Norway this weekend.

But they will need to beat a side inside the top four of the FIFA World Rankings in a major international tournament for the first time if they are to realise their potential to end a 60-year trophy drought. In Atlanta, Georgia, this week, Thomas Tuchel’s side faces their toughest challenge yet against the reigning champions, with the winner facing either Spain or France in the final.

As has been the case on many occasions this summer, weather disruptions are expected for the match. But what may be a bigger threat for England is the weight of expectation after years of near-misses under Gareth Southgate, and Morgan’s latest comments certainly won’t help muffle the optimism that grips those at home.

Piers Morgan Makes Huge Lionel Messi-Jude Bellingham Claim

Indeed, Morgan – who has long been one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s biggest supporters, especially through the intense criticism the former Manchester United forward has faced this summer – has clearly got carried away with his hopes of England bringing football home this week. Posting to X, he wrote (see the full post below):

While Jude Bellingham has been in imperious form this summer, nobody comes close to the brilliance of Messi as he supercharges his nation’s plea for a second successive World Cup win after going three decades without. That’s reflected by the uproar Piers’ social media post caused, as one X user remarked: “I pity those who still take you seriously.”

Another user added: “Bellingham has been outstanding, but writing off Messi before kickoff has never aged well for anyone,” as a third wrote: “This guy is stuck in his own bubble.” Elsewhere, another concluded: “I would call him a clown, but at least clowns are funny. This is just pathetic!”

Nothing Should Take Away From Bellingham’s Heroism

Jude Bellingham celebrates via REUTERS/Paul Childs

Based on statistical performance, Bellingham still ranks as the fourth-best player at this year’s World Cup. That’s come going for a midfielder that was being mooted to drop to the bench in favour of the in-form Morgan Rogers before the tournament started.

No player in his position has come even remotely close to matching his tally of six goals, with his efforts often coming in England’s hours of need. While a poor season at Real Madrid shifted the spotlight away from him, the label of ‘best midfielder in the world’ has been put firmly back on him.

Messi’s eight goals and two assists in six matches still reigns superior. But that should not take away from the job Bellingham has done to get his nation dreaming of glory once again.