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Pau Cubarsi responds to ex-Prime Minister's comments ahead of Spain vs. France

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 13, 2026, 5:49 PM

Last updated Jul 13, 2026

Pau Cubarsi responds to ex-Prime Minister's comments ahead of Spain vs. France

Summary

Spain and France are set to compete in the FIFA World Cup semifinal on July 14. The lead-up to the match has been marred by comments from former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who claimed France has no French players. Spain defender Pau Cubarsi condemned Rajoy's remarks, emphasizing that all players who represent the French national team are French, regardless of their skin color. The comments have sparked backlash from officials in both Spain and France, with French officials defending their team's nationality and calling the remarks xenophobic. Rajoy's statements have overshadowed the anticipation for the high-stakes match in Dallas.

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By the Numbers

•Spain faces France in the FIFA World Cup semifinal on July 14.
•Mariano Rajoy claimed France lacks French players, prompting backlash.
•Pau Cubarsi affirmed that all French national team players are French.
•Rajoy's comments received condemnation from officials in both countries.
•The controversy adds tension to the semifinal match scheduled in Dallas.

Latest Updates

5:49 PMYahoo Sports — Ex-Spanish Prime Minister's allegedly racist comments about France slammed by La Roja star

What they're saying

"
Spain and France will battle it out on Tuesday in the first of two FIFA World Cup semifinal matches, but the buildup to the game has been overshadowed by comments from ex-Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy
— Yahoo Sports

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