local
Former Spanish leader is criticized for comments about France's World Cup team
By Suman Naishadham, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 13, 2026
· 3 min read
A former Spanish prime minister is facing criticism for saying that France's World Cup team “does not have any French players," which French and Spanish leaders have called racist.Mariano Rajoy, a member of Spain’s conservative Popular Party, made the comment in a column for Spanish outlet El Deb...
Key takeaway That said, one thing they don’t have is any French players," Rajoy wrote on July 10.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The controversy surrounding Mariano Rajoy's comments about France's World Cup team has reached San Antonio , where the two teams are set to face off in the semifinals. As the city prepares to host this high-profile match, the remarks have sparked a larger conversation about racism and belonging. The fact that the game will be played at the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys in nearby Arlington, Texas, brings the issue closer to home for San Antonio residents. The response from French and Spanish leaders, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been swift and condemnatory, highlighting the need for inclusivity and respect in sports. As San Antonio welcomes fans from both teams, it is a reminder that the city's own diverse community values unity and rejects racism. The match on Tuesday will be more than just a game, but also an opportunity for San Antonio to showcase its commitment to inclusivity and respect for all backgrounds.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A former Spanish prime minister is facing criticism for saying that France's World Cup team “does not have any French players," which French and Spanish leaders have called racist.Mariano Rajoy, a member of Spain’s conservative Popular Party, made the comment in a column for Spanish outlet El Deb...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Suman Naishadham, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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