Pedro Sánchez has reacted this Sunday to the controversy generated by Mariano Rajoy's statements about the French national team, which have provoked the response of several ministers of the French Government just a few days before the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup between the two countries.
The President of the Government published a message on his X account in which he joined the controversy and appealed for respect between the two national teams.
"Spain belongs to those who love it"
Sánchez used his social media to send a message against the latest commentary from the former President of the Government.
"There are those who still measure belonging by surname, place of birth, or skin color. Others measure it by rootedness in a country and the will to contribute to it. By playing football. By caring for our elders. Or by opening businesses", he wrote to point to Rajoy and the "xenophobic statements that are shameful".
Hay quien todavía mide la pertenencia por el apellido, el lugar de nacimiento o el color de piel.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) July 12, 2026
Otros la medimos por el arraigo a un país y la voluntad de contribuir a él. Jugando al fútbol. Cuidando a nuestros mayores. O abriendo negocios.
España es de quien la ama y la…
Rajoy's words reach France
Mariano Rajoy's intervention, made after Spain's qualification for the World Cup semi-finals, has had repercussions in France. His statements have been publicly responded to by at least three ministers of the French Executive.
The criticism comes just 48 hours before the match between Spain and France, which will decide one of the finalists of the 2026 World Cup.
Spain and France will face each other in the semi-final
Spain and France will face each other in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup in a match that will decide who will fight for the title. The encounter comes preceded by an unexpected exchange of political statements that has added tension to the atmosphere before the sporting clash.