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European Commission (EU) President Ursula von der Leyen expressed support for Europe's representatives at the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying a European team is guaranteed a place in the final irrespective of the outcome of the first semi-final.
Sharing a photograph of herself holding a football featuring the European Union flag on X, von der Leyen wrote, "Whoever wins tonight, a strong European team will be in the final!" https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/2077106853415178474?s=20 The first World Cup semi-final is being contested between France and Spain, ensuring one European nation will book a place in the title clash. The second semi-final will see defending champions Argentina take on England, with the winner advancing to face either France or Spain in the final. Von der Leyen's message came during the opening semi-final as football fans across Europe awaited the outcome of the clash between the two arch-rivals. France have recalled Bradley Barcola and Aurelien Tchouameni to their starting XI for the FIFA World Cup semifinal against Spain, while La Roja have retained the same lineup for the high-voltage clash. Barcola returns to France's attack in place of Desire Doue, who drops to the bench. He joins Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and captain Kylian Mbappe in the frontline. Tchouameni also returns to the starting XI after missing France's previous two matches due to injury. He is set to partner Adrien Rabiot in midfield. Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has opted to stick with the same team that featured in the previous match. Fabian Ruiz continues in midfield alongside Rodri and Dani Olmo, while Pedri has again been named among the substitutes. Alex Baena starts in attack alongside teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal. The winners of the semifinal will face either Argentina or England in the FIFA World Cup final. France: Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappe (captain). Spain: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri (captain), Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Alex Baena, Mikel Oyarzabal. (ANI)
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