What has become extremely evident this summer is that Bayern Munich had no intention of even considering a sale of star winger Michael Olise.
However, there was a prevailing theory that every man must surely has his price.
Maybe not per Didi Hamann:
Dietmar Hamann has explained to GOAL the only way that a move to Real Madrid happens for Michael Olise, with it possible that Bayern Munich would snub a €200 million-plus (£171m/$231m) bid for the France international. It has been suggested that the Blancos are, in their search for more 'Galacticos,' prepared to part with a record-shattering transfer fee.
The Blancos have no need to spend big on Olise in the current window, but may explore that option again in the not too distant future. The 24-year-old is said to have seen his head turned by interest from Santiago Bernabeu.

#hamann #didi

ATLANTA (AP) — Bryce Elder pitched one-hit ball over seven innings, Drake Baldwin drove in two runs and the Atlanta Braves won their season-high seventh in a row, beating the Miami Marlins 4-1 on Wednesday night.
Elder (8-6) turned in another excellent start after a tough June, surrendering his lone hit on a fifth-inning liner to left that Jakob Marsee hustled into a double. Owen Caissie, who had walked, raced to third and scored on Joe Mack's groundout.
That was it against Elder, who is 3-0 with a 1.88 ERA over his last four starts. Didier Fuentes got the final four outs for his second career save after Dylan Dodd allowed a pair of singles in the eighth.
Baldwin capped a three-run second inning against Eury Pérez (5-9) with a two-out single to center that brought home a pair of runners. Austin Riley drove in the first run of the night with a ground-rule double.
Mauricio Dubón sent home Atlanta's other run with his 600th career hit. The RBI single came after a bizarre play in which Michael Harris' apparent steal of third was nullified when Mack's throw ricocheted off Dubón's helmet and flew into the stands, resulting in an interference call on the hitter.

#four #second

Austria ADMIRAL Bundesliga 20262027, Matchday 1, July 31, 2026: Linzer ASK LASK vs. Grazer AK 1902 GAK at Raiffeisen Arena, Linz, Austria. Pictured: Goal celebration, goal, Samuel Oluwabukunmi Adeniran, LASK, against GAK. Photo IIMAGO
Celtic were yesterday drawn against Austrian Champions LASK in the Champions League play-offs, and are arguably the toughest side we could have faced from the list of teams in our half of the draw.
LASK won the Austrian double last year, and in a league that contains RB Salzburg, SK Sturm Graz and our old pals Rapid Vienna it's a magnificent achievement, and showcases the ability they undoubtedly possess.
Managed by former Austrian International Didi Kuhbauer, LASK won both of the top honours in Austria, only the second time they had won either trophy in their 126 year history.
Austria ADMIRAL Bundesliga 20262027, Matchday 1, July 31, 2026: Linzer ASK LASK vs. Grazer AK 1902 GAK at Raiffeisen Arena, Linz, Austriafeatured on SKY, interview with Dietmar Kuehbauer, coach, LASK, Dietmar Didi Kuehbauer, before the match against GAK, Raiffeisen Arena, Admiral Bundesliga. Photo IMAGO

#arena

Chelsea have signed Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix (26), both clubs have announced. The two London-based Premier League sides reportedly agreed to a €60m transfer fee for the France international defender. Lacroix has signed a six-year deal with Xabi Alonso's Blues. The former Sochaux and Wolfsburg centre-back underwent his medical on Friday.
Chelsea were in the market for a centre-back due to the uncertainty regarding the futures of several of their defenders, such as Mamadou Sarr, Wesley Fofana or Benoît Badiashile. The Blues went for a Premier League-proven centre-back in Lacroix.
Lacroix only needed two seasons with the Eagles to become one of the league most reliable centre-backs. He joined the South London side in 2024 from Wolfsburg and went on to win the 2025 Emirates FA Cup, the 2025 Community Shield and the 2025-2026 Conference League, totalling 98 appearances across two campaigns with Palace. Lacroix's performances earned him a spot in Didier Deschamps' France World Cup squad.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval

#france

George and Amal Clooney are standing by their French community after evacuating their home as wildfires spread across parts of Europe.
The couple said in a letter to the city's mayor that they left their home in Brignoles, southern France, which a representative for George Clooney confirmed to People in a report published on July 29.
"Dear Didier, at this point we have no idea whether our beautiful home makes it through this terrible moment," the letter said, according to People.

#letter #amal #french #france

After 14 years with FIFA World Cup-winning player and coach Didier Deschamps at the helm, the French national team is now officially under the stewardship of ex-captain Zinedine Zidane.
An appointment which had been largely expected for months, this marks the 54-year-old's first head coaching role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, where he won La Liga twice and the UEFA Champions League three times across two stints in charge,
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Zidane, who won the World Cup alongside Deschamps in 1998 and reached the Final in 2006, during which he was sent off for headbutting Marco Materazzi, admitted that taking charge of Les Bleus was a lifelong dream come true.
Donald Trump sparks outrage with Harry Kane World Cup comments
Argentina World Cup Final red card rescinded, face potential FIFA disciplinary action

#real

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé has sent a welcome message to fellow countryman and new international manager Zinedine Zidane on Tuesday.
This of course comes fresh off the former midfielder being unveiled as the latest installation on Les Bleus' bench.
It had long been common knowledge that this summer's World Cup would mark the last major tournament overseen by Didier Deschamps as France headmaster.
Following the country's semi-final elimination at the hands of Spain, Deschamps therefore made official the mutual decision for a change at the helm.
The aforementioned Zidane had been rumoured as the leading candidate to replace his former teammate for some time, with the 54-year-old having repeatedly resisted a return to club management to instead wait for his dream role in the French dugout.

#mbapp #tuesday

One of the best French soccer players of all time will lead the country's men's national team moving forward. Zinedine Zidane was named the new head coach of the club Tuesday.
Zidane, 54, signed a four-year deal with the team.
Zidane has a lot to live up to in the role. France has been one of the best performers in recent World Cups. Prior to finishing in fourth place this year, the team finished as runners-up in 2022 and won it all in 2018.
The team's head coach during that span, Didier Deschamps, announced prior to the 2026 World Cup that it would be his last one with the team, paving the way for Zidane to take over.
This story will be updated.

#prior #best #head

Speaking to local media and Get French Football News during pre-season preparations, Marseille manager Bruno Genesio, has welcomed Zinedine Zidane's appointment as France manager, but insists that Didier Deschamps' achievements during his 14 years in charge of Les Bleus must not be forgotten."I am like all French people," said the Marseille manager. "First of all, I would like to underline the work of Didier Deschamps because we live in a world where people forget things very quickly."
"I am very happy with the arrival of Zinedine Zidane, but I would like to emphasise what Deschamps has done for 14 years. It is exceptional. I feel that sometimes we have lacked some respect concerning that."
Deschamps' departure brought an end to one of the most successful managerial tenures in the history of the France national team. However, attention quickly turned towards his potential successor, with Zidane long considered the natural candidate to take charge.
"As soon as Didier announced his departure, we wanted to have the name of who would replace him," Genesio continued. "We will have someone with legitimacy from his career as a player, but not only that, because what he achieved during his time at Real Madrid, winning the Champions Leagues, was exceptional."
"I think we trust him, his work and his method, which will hopefully keep French football at the highest level for years to come."

#deschamps

Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as head coach of the France national team, taking over from Didier Deschamps following their World Cup semi-final exit, and admitted he was emotional at his unveiling
Deschamps announced in January 2025 that he would step down following this summer's World Cup, with France knocked out in the last four by European champions Spain in a 2-0 defeat.
Zidane had been out of a managerial post since leaving Real Madrid, where he won three Champions League and two La Liga ***** les, in 2021.
Zinedine Zidane won three consecutive Champions League crowns with Real Madrid (Getty)
But the former France captain had been widely touted as a potential replacement for Deschamps, who helmed the national side for 14 years, and has been installed on a long-term deal.

#champions #zinedine #madrid

Zinedine Zidane was appointed France coach on Tuesday, as widely expected, following the departure of Didier Deschamps, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced.
Zidane, 54, had long been viewed as the leading candidate for the role and had been waiting for an opportunity to take charge of the national team for several years.
He will replace Deschamps, whose tenure began in 2012 and ended earlier this month after France finished fourth at the World Cup.
Deschamps guided France to 2018 World Cup glory and the final four years later.
"For me, it's an immense joy... being able to become the coach of this French team. I don't have any other words," said Zidane, who takes over on a four-year deal that runs until the 2030 World Cup co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

#france #World #years #four

The French Football Federation have called the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as a meeting of a legend in the history of Les Bleus
Zidane has been confirmed as the new head coach of theFrance national team, returning to the dugout for the first time since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
The 54-year-old replaces Didier Deschamps, whose 14-year reign concluded after this summer's World Cup.
Zidane has signed a deal until the 2030World Cup and will lead a talented France side into the next major tournament cycles.
The three-time Champions League winner is regarded as, arguably, France's finest ever footballer and French Football Federation chief Philippe Diallo has called his appointment a landmark moment for the country.

#french #Football #appointment #year

Zinédine Zidane has been officially introduced today by French FA president Philippe Diallo as Didier Deschamps' successor in the dugout for Les Bleus.Zidane faced the media this morning at the French FA's Parisian headquarters alongside Diallo. The former Real Madrid head coach has penned a four-year contract with France.
Diallo has explained that he initiated contact with Zidane in February 2025, a couple of weeks after Deschamps made official his decision to step down as manager after the 2026 World Cup. Zidane started his remarks by sending a message of support to the firefighters battling massive forest fires in southwestern France as well as a congratulatory message to his predecessor, Deschamps.
Zidane went on to say, that during his five-year break from management, he turned down numerous proposals because he only had the France job on his mind. "I turned them all down for the French national team, because it's the only thing I wanted to do after my experience at Real Madrid. The only thing that motivates me is being able to work for this team and for it to continue winning." Zidane added that today was the best day of his coaching career.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval

#diallo #madrid

Zinédine Zidane is the new manager of the French national team after signing a contract until 2030.
France finished fourth at the 2026 World Cup under Didier Deschamps, losing 6-4 in a remarkable third-place play-off to England after having been defeated at the semi-final stage by eventual winners Spain.
"I've often said it: there's nothing greater than the French National Team," the former player said on his appointment.
"It is therefore a joy and, of course, a great source of pride to become the manager of this French National Team. It's also a responsibility. I want to thank [FFF] President Philippe Diallo, the Executive Committee, and the French Football Federation for their confidence and acknowledge the fourteen years of service from Didier and his staff. I also have a special thought today for all my coaches.
"Needless to say, I have high ambitions for the French National Team."

#national #team #didier #england

Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the new head coach of the France national team.
Didier Deschamps, France's longest-serving manager, ended his 14-year stint in charge after the nation's semi-final exit to Spain at the 2026 World Cup.
Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid for a second time as head coach in 2021.
The 54-year-old, widely considered to be France's greatest player, will sign a contract that will see him lead the nation through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
On being appointed, he said it was "a great source of pride" to lead the French national side following their fourth-place finish at the World Cup.

#head

As expected, Zinédine Zidane has been appointed coach of the French men' national team in succession of Didier Deschamps, the French Football Federation (FFF) has said.
FFF president Philippe Diallo named Zidane "a legend of French football" in a news conference and said that Zidane has signed a contract until 2030.
Zidane, 54, won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 as a player of a team captained by Deschamps. His only coaching experience are two terms at Real Madrid 2016-2018 and 2019-2021 during which he won three Champions Leagues and two LaLigas.
"I've said it many times: there's nothing bigger than the French national team. So it's a pleasure and, of course, a great honour to become coach of this French national team. But it's also a responsibility," Zidane said in a federation statement.
The three-time World Player of the Year had long been considered the top contender to take over from Deschamps who stepped down after 14 years in charge after the recent World Cup.

#zidane #player #coach

France now has the leader it had dreamed of for years. The French Football Federation (FFF) has officially appointed Zinédine Zidane as the new national team manager.
The 54-year-old coach succeeds Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after the 2026 World Cup following 14 years in charge of the team.
Zidane's challenge will be to match, or at least come close to, Deschamps' achievements, after he led France to World Cup glory in 2018 and another final in 2022.
Considered one of the greatest players of all time, Zidane now takes charge of the country he captained to both the World Cup and European Championship ***** les. His managerial résumé is just as impressive, with three consecutive Champions League ***** les and two La Liga crowns won across his two spells in charge of Real Madrid.
Zidane's first challenge will be to lead France in the UEFA Nations League before turning his focus to qualification for Euro 2028, with a squad that still boasts top-level talent such as Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni and William Saliba.

#deschamps #league #titles

Just 51 days remain until the 2026 New Orleans Saints season opener. New Orleans hits the road to kick off the year, traveling to face the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Sept. 13. Veteran guard Cesar Ruiz takes up the 51 jersey for the Saints. Ruiz has taken a roster spot for six seasons and is the latest of 21 players to wear the number for New Orleans. Here's a look at each of them.
P Jim Fraser (1968)
LB Bill Saul (1969)
C John Didion (1971-74)
C Sylvester Croom (1975)

#detroit #lions

Luis Enrique has reportedly agreed a new contract at PSG, and we’re just waiting to hear the announcement from the club.
If you enjoy PSG Talk coverage and want to see more of it, add us as a preferred source on Google to make us a favourite and see more of our content.
A fairly innocuous article in L’Equipe today which looks at the short lifespan of coaches in Ligue 1 has some important news for PSG fans.
The piece notes that only Lucho and Didier Digard of Le Havre have been in their jobs for more than two years, showing the amazing turnover of managers in the French top flight. And the Spaniard is set to extend his lead.
“In recent months, a new agreement has been reached to extend his contract until 2030, although this has not yet been officially announced,” L’Equipe wrote.

#luis #talk #ligue #didier

PARIS (AP) — France's new coach will be announced next Tuesday, when Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to replace Didier Deschamps.
The French Football Federation said in a statement on Thursday that its president Philippe Diallo will name the coach at a news conference at the headquarters in Paris.
The 54-year-old Zidane has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. The midfield great coached Madrid to three straight Champions League ****** les from 2016-18.
Deschamps was in charge of France for 14 years and stepped down after the World Cup, where Les Bleus lost in the semifinals to Spain.
France won the World Cup under Deschamps in 2018 and lost the final on penalties in 2022. Les Bleus also lost the European Championship final on home soil in 2016.

#deschamps #lost #madrid #coach

In a game that first crawled due to a deluge of walks (but few runs) and then saw dueling late-inning paroxysms in each team’s final time at the plate, the Braves eventually emerged victorious. But boy, was it a winding path to get there.
At the beginning of this contest, things seemed like they were going to drag on forever with little to show for it. After a one-walk, no other action first from Martin Perez, the Braves took aim at Michael King, who dominated them a few weeks ago in San Diego, and…
…he did not dominate this time. In fact, King walked the first three batters he faced, grimacing and looking generally uncomfy all the while. A groundout from Michael Harris II plated a run, but both Austin Riley and Mike Yastrzemski kind of lost the plot and went down looking. Yastrzemski, in particular, looked at five straight pitches to end the inning… the Braves’ track record with guys skimping on rehab **** ignments this year is looking abysmal.
Staked to a small lead, Perez did his normal thing — it just happened to work out this time. He walked two in the second, but then recovered with two punchouts. The Braves got a couple of singles against a resurgent-ish King in the bottom of the inning, but Ozzie Albies struck out on a changeup that was literally in the other batter’s box. There was another walk from Perez, this time of the leadoff variety, in the third, but nothing else. King followed suit, but again, nothing doing from the bats. Perez had a quicker fourth, three up and three down thanks to a double play. Meanwhile, the Braves kinda-sorta tried to rally against King with a leadoff double from Mauricio Dubon and an infield single by Brewer Hicklen, but two weak flyouts kept it a 1-0 game.
Some combination of “Perez didn’t have a rehab **** ignment and had thrown 75 pitches” and “Perez had a 3/4 K/BB ratio in four innings” ultimately convinced the Braves to go to the bullpen for the fifth. Dylan Dodd came in and was delicious, throwing an 11-pitch frame with two strikeouts and a first-pitch groundout. King stayed in, and worked around a two-out single. Didier Fuentes followed Dodd and had to work a little harder (18 pitches), but had his two strikeouts, one groundout inning all the same. King’s night finished with a flourish, a nine-pitch frame that featured a strikeout of Hicklen. He rebounded and once again mystified the Braves despite the rocky start, with a 7/4 K/BB ratio — a 7/1 K/BB ratio after the first three batters.

#perez #looking #groundout

Didier Deschamps has left his post as France manager with the record of most FIFA World Cup matches.
The former Juventus captain spent 14 years in charge of Les Bleus, his crowning glory being the team's World Cup win in 2018.
Deschamps' France reached the final again four years later, as well the Euro 2016 decider, but didn't win either match, leaving one of the most star-studded sides of all time with just one trophy.
Nonetheless, the 57-year-old's longevity was impressive and his name will go down in the record books as one of the few players to win the greatest trophy in international as both a player and a manager.
We've ranked the head coaches who managed more games at the World Cup than anyone else below.

#World #france #years #trophy

London City Lionesses have continued their summer spree with the signing of French forward Kadidiatou Diani.
The WSL side have had another busy summer with six high-profile arrivals at the club so far with the latest being Diani.
The 31-year-old joins the club on a three-year deal, signing from another Michele Kang-owned side, OL Lyonnes, where she spent the last three seasons.
"I'm really happy to have signed here," Diani said on her arrival ".It is an opportunity for me to discover a new country, a new city, a new team, and I can't wait to start this next chapter.
"I'm excited to meet my new teammates and staff, to work at the training ground and the stadium, and meet the fans.

So, in a state with a history of Spanish conquest, history could be repeating itself for Spain. As in Euro 2024, they beat France in a semi-final. As in 2010, they could follow victory in the European Championships by doing the double, by adding a World Cup. Deep in the heart of Texas, Luis de la Fuente's side took a sizeable step towards greatness.
Didier Deschamps had ****** ounced them as the favourites to win the World Cup. It turns out that was not just kidology. As the France manager's epic reign came in effect to an end, it was without a second World Cup or a third consecutive final. Kylian Mbappe may yet go on to become the greatest World Cup goalscorer and player; but not yet, not in Dallas, not now.
Instead, he was outscored on the day by Mikel Oyarzabal, the unheralded striker whose goal decided Euro 2024 and who set Spain towards a still greater triumph. The Real Sociedad captain had an unlikely ally. Pedro Porro, fresh from a Premier League relegation battle with Tottenham, scored a goal to take his side into a World Cup final. But Spain need no reminding that defenders can chip in: their previous World Cup semi-final victory, 16 years ago, came courtesy of Carles Puyol. Watching on, he must have remembered; so, surely, did Sergio Ramos and Xavi, alongside him.
De la Fuente's team are less defined by tiki-taka but they nevertheless prospered by exerting control. They are borrowing from the 2010 formula, global domination secured by reigning European champions who were immune to conceding.
An almost impenetrable defence has been breached only by Belgium's Charles de Ketelaere. France, with their previously fabulous front four, were supposed to provide the stiffest test. But they were not the unstoppable force: not when pitted against the immovable object of the Spanish rearguard. After 35 minutes, France had an xG of 0.01. By the interval, it had crept up to 0.04. The numbers showed how negligible their threat was.

London City Lionesses have completed the signing of France international Kadidiatou Diani from Lyon.
Diani, 31, has joined on a three-year deal through to 2029.
She becomes the latest high-profile addition London City have made this summer, following the arrivals of two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, her Spain team-mate Mapi Lyon, and former England goalkeeper Mary Earps.
"It's an independent club and very ambitious," Diani said in a club press release. "It's something which is quite rare in women's football and something I believe in a lot.
"We don't necessarily need to depend on a men's club to compete at the highest level, win ****** les and have a lot of success. I believe in the project."

For a man who led France with such distinction, it was not a Bastille Day to savour. Didier Deschamps led his country for longer than Charles de Gaulle, albeit in rather different roles and with a less bombastic style. But he is football's most decorated Frenchman on the global stage. On a day seemingly designed for the French, however, his World Cup in effect ended. Spain outclassed France in Dallas.
After 14 years, after this 14 July, his reign only has a third-place play-off to come. There will be no third World Cup for Deschamps as player or manager, no third consecutive final in the dugout. He can retire the dark suit and white shirt he wore even in the 100-degree heat of Philadelphia. He can still figure in the conversations for the best World Cup manager of all, but victory in New York on Sunday could have rendered him the nonpareil.
"It was not important on a personal level if I leave in a semi-final or final," said Deschamps. In a sense, there was no false modesty; Deschamps has not made it about him, always designing his team around his players, not vice-versa. Yet when he reached the end, it was to a side built around a philosophy, a style of play, an identity. In a sense, Deschamps has seemed the ultimate international manager: because international football can be based around building an environment that players enjoy and decided by moments. Kylian Mbappe can be the best moments player in the world, France the best moments team: but there were no moments against Spain, who suffocated the French forwards and passed with intelligence. They were less reliant on the spectacular.
Until they reached Texas, Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise had obliged; against Senegal, Iraq, Norway and Sweden, and then in a six-minute burst against Morocco. It illustrated that France possessed attacking talent of the highest quality in greater depth than anyone else. Olise was outstanding in the first four games, when France scored 13 goals; less so in the last three, when they got three. Dembele, after his 2022 World Cup ended so ignominiously, proved there were second acts in Deschamps' France, with five goals. Mbappe delivered in every match, except against Spain, before pointing the finger elsewhere in the aftermath of this comprehensive loss.
For much of his tenure, Deschamps was deemed a dullard; maybe unfairly, given his sides have scored four and three in World Cup finals. At the last, and even as France barely threatened the Spain goal, he may have perished by being too adventurous. The tournament began with an underlying question if he should bring in a third midfielder, sacrificing whichever of Desire Doue or Bradley Barcola started for more solidity, and with the ***** umption he would do it at the business end of the competition. If ever there was a time to do it, it was against Spain's pass masters. But Deschamps stuck with 4-2-3-1 and, too often, Spain manoeuvred their way around France in midfield. Deschamps' difficulties were

London City Lionesses have signed France forward Kadidiatou Diani on a three-year deal for a fee exceeding £500,000.
The 31-year-old announced her departure from European giants Lyon on Monday despite having a year remaining on her contract.
London City had been in advanced discussions for several weeks and, while other European clubs were interested, Diani chose a move to the Women's Super League (WSL).
Diani spent three seasons at Lyon after moving from Paris St-Germain in 2023 and scored 41 goals in 93 appearances.
"It is an opportunity for me to discover a new country, a new city, a new team, and I can't wait to start this next chapter," said Diani.

Didier Deschamps' iconic run as the manager of the French national team has come to an end without a third-straight World Cup final appearance.
Spain expertly dispatched France 2-0 in the semi-final to end France's hopes of a second World Cup **** le in three editions.
Manager Didier Deschamps will coach his final game for the national team in the third-place clash, but the loss to Spain led to a less-than-gracious end for him atop world football.
In his post-match press conference, Deschamps questioned the acumen of referee Iván Barton from El Salvador, highlighting a cascading impact of disadvantageous calls holding France back.
"I'll ask a question, and I'm not going to answer it: Does the referee have the level to referee a World Cup semi-final? […] It's not because we lost today that I'm saying this. There were quite a few situations, often to our disadvantage as well."

Spain are within touching distance of glory. Luis de la Fuente's side beat France convincingly 2-0 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington and booked their place in the 2026 World Cup final after a display of character, footballing quality and competitive maturity.
La Roja once again got the better of one of the main favourites for the ******* le in a hugely demanding match. France tried to set the tempo early on, but Spain soon took control of possession and the midfield. Lamine Yamal's pace proved decisive in breaking the deadlock: the winger won a penalty after a challenge from Lucas Digne and Mikel Oyarzabal made no mistake from the spot to put Spain ahead before half-time.
With the advantage on the scoreboard, the Spanish team showedthe composure that has been the hallmark of their whole campaign**.** Rodri and Fabián Ruiz ran the show in the middle of the park, while an impeccably disciplined defence neutralised Mbappé and France's powerful attacking unit. France tried to react after the interval but ran into a consistently solid Spain side, leaving keeper Unai Simón virtually untested.
The decisive blow came in the second half, when Dani Olmo threaded a superb pass into the path of Pedro Porro, who surged forward from full-back with a striker's instinct to beat Mike Maignan and make it 2-0, leaving the reigning World Cup runners-up reeling.
The changes made by Didier Deschamps failed to alter the script. Spain managed their lead intelligently, moved the ball patiently and barely allowed chances to a subdued France, unable to find ******* e against the tactical discipline of De la Fuente's side.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been one of the stars of this summer’s World Cup. The Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder has returned to his dominant best and has played a key role in Spain’s progression to the final of the 2026 World Cup. Spain booked their place in the final of the tournament with a dominant 2-0 win over tournament favourites France overnight. Rodri put in a masterful display in midfield to help Spain beat a powerful French outfit. In the process, Rodri’s performance against France was a reminder that Manchester City must extend his contract with the club.
The midfield battle loomed as the decisive factor in Spain’s World Cup semi-final against France. With Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise starting for France, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot started in midfield for Didier Deschamps’ side. In midfield, Spain started Rodri and Fabiàn Ruiz in midfield with Dani Olmo also dropping into midfield.
Simply put, France were overmatched in midfield. A first-half penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal and a second-half strike from Pedro Porro would seal a 2-0 win for Spain. As would an outstanding performance from every Spanish player on the pitch. At the heart of it all was Rodri, who was absolutely brilliant in midfield.
Rodri was at his imperious best in last night’s World Cup semi-final. He dictated the tempo of last night’s match with support from Fabiàn Ruiz and his teammates. Manchester City’s midfield general covered the pitch exceptionally well, routinely snuffing out the threat of the French. Rodri’s ability to read the game and contain any danger was superb. In possession, Rodri was his composed self as the occasion never phased him.
Rodri’s performance last night was reminiscent of his best displays for Manchester City. He has rightly earned the plaudits that his performance deserved. If anything, Rodri’s display was a reminder that he remains by far and away the best number six in world football by some distance.