Kylian Mbappe

News analysis

Spain’s ball worship delivers World Cup glory and a nation’s shared embrace

Spain’s ball worship delivers World Cup glory and a nation’s shared embrace.

France’s Kylian Mbappe secures second World Cup Golden Boot

France’s Kylian Mbappe now holds the all-time tournament record with 22 goals in just 22 matches.

Pedro Porro picks perfect moment to make Spain’s right-back spot his own

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Spain training - Melanie Lane Training Grounds, East Hanover, New Jersey, U.S. - July 16, 2026 Spain's Pedro Porro during training IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Vincent Carchietta

Spain’s ex-PM unrepentant on column questioning ‘Frenchness’ of France team

Former Prime Ministers of Spain, Mariano Rajoy and Jose Maria Aznar Lopez, on the day of a meeting between Pope Leo XIV and the members of the Spanish Parliament, during Pope Leo's apostolic journey in Madrid, Spain, June 8, 2026. REUTERS/Alejandro Martinez Velez

Kylian Mbappe calls France ‘sloppy’ after 2-0 World Cup semi-final loss to Spain

Kylian Mbappe and his France teammates are dejected after losing to Spain in the World Cup semi-finals.

News analysis

France fail World Cup Spanish test in spectacular fashion

France were outclassed by Spain in their semi-final clash on July 14.

Dominant Spain beat France 2-0 to reach World Cup final

Spain’s Pedro Porro scored Spain’s second goal.

Spain apologises for ex-PM’s column questioning ‘Frenchness’ of France team

Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy wrote in online publication El Debate on July 10 that France would be a formidable adversary, before questioning the team’s “Frenchness”.

Five classic France v Spain clashes before World Cup semi-final

(FILES) French forward Thierry Henry (L) and teammate midfielder Zinedine Zidane (C) celebrate next to Spanish defender Sergio Ramos (R) at the end of the World Cup 2006 round of 16 football game Spain vs. France, on June 27, 2006 at Hanover stadium. (Photo by Patrik STOLLARZ / AFP)

‘Final before final’: France face Spain in World Cup blockbuster

France captain Kylian Mbappe, head coach Didier Deschamps and the rest of the team have good camaraderie.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.