European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said before the semi-final between France and Spain that whatever the result, there will definitely be a strong European team in the final. Argentina and England will face each other in the other semi-final.
brussels [बेल्जियम]July 15 (ANI): European Commission (EU) President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her support for Europe’s representatives at the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying whatever the outcome of the first semi-final, a European team’s place in the final is assured.
Sharing a photo of herself with a football bearing the EU flag on the X, Von der Leyen wrote: “No matter who wins tonight, a strong European team will be in the final!”
The first semi-final of the World Cup is being played between France and Spain, ensuring that a European country will make it to the title clash. Defending champions Argentina will face England in the other semi-final, and the winner will face either France or Spain in the final.
Von der Leyen’s message came during the opening semi-final, as football fans across Europe waited for the outcome of the clash between the two arch-rivals.
France vs Spain: Starting XI
France have recalled Bradley Barcella and Aurelien Tchoumeni to their starting XI for the FIFA World Cup semi-final against Spain, while La Roja (Spain) retained the same lineup for the high-voltage encounter.
Barcola has replaced Desire Douay in the France attack, who has been relegated to the bench. He will join Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and captain Kylian Mbappe in the forward line. Tchoumeni also returned to the starting XI after missing France’s last two matches due to injury. He will partner Adrien Rabiot in midfield.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has decided to stick with the same team that played in the previous match. Fabian Ruiz remains in midfield alongside Rodri and Dani Olmo, while Pedri has again been named a substitute. Alex Baena has started in attack alongside young sensations Lamin Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal.
The winner of the semi-finals will face Argentina or England in the FIFA World Cup final.
France team:
Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Aurelien Tchoumeni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barkola; Kylian Mbappe (captain).
Spain team:
Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Quibarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri (captain), Fabian Ruiz, Danny Olmo; Lamin Yamal, Alex Baena, Mikel Oyarzabal. (ANI)
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