With the FIFA World Cup 2026 nearing its end, Raphaël Varane, former France defender, has said, he feels “joy” still experiencing “emotions like these”.
The former Real Madrid centre-back made the statement ahead of the semi final clash between France and Spain on Tuesday night in Dallas.
Varane said on X, he loves football so much because “it brings us together and make out hearts race”.
France and Spain clinched their tickets to the last four of the tournament after dumping out Morocco 2-0 and Belgium 2-1 respectively in the quarter finals.
Varane posted: “This World Cup is coming to an end soon, and what a joy it is to still experience emotions like these. That’s also why we love football so much: it brings us together, it makes our hearts race, and it allows us to share unique moments.”
The former Manchester United defender said, France still in the competition shows the “quality of our football”, adding, the current Les Bleus is loaded with “talent and character”.
France and Spain will fight for a place in the final when they lock horns in the semi final match on Tuesday 14 July, 2026 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, United States (US) at 20:00 (WAT).
Varane posted: “Seeing France reach the semi-finals once again confirms the quality of our football. This group has shown a lot of talent, control, and character throughout the competition. Knowing how to step up in the key moments, staying solid in the face of adversity—that’s what makes great teams.”
If head coach Didier Deschamps succeeds in guiding the Les Bleus past the La Roja in Texas, then France will emerge only the third country to reach the World Cup final three times back-to-back.
So far, the only countries to have achieved this feat are, West Germany (1982, 1986 and 1990), and Brazil (1994, 1998 and 2002).
Deschamps was Captain when France lifted their first World Cup in 1998; and managed the Les Bleus to World Cup glory in 2018 before they were downed on penalties in the final of the World Cup 2022 in Qatar by Argentina.
Real Madrid forward, Kylian Mbappe, currently tops FIFA World Cup 2026 goalscorers list with eight (8) goals.
Varane further posted: “Seeing Kylian fully embrace his role as captain within this collective is a perfect illustration.
“Let’s savor these moments of sharing that make our hearts race, because they are precious.
“Thank you for all these emotions. See you tonight… and, I hope, on Sunday!”
Arsenal forward, Mikel Merino, who looks like Spain’s secret weapon and is thrown into action when the La Roja are in a tight spot, has saved his country on two (2) occasions successively at the World Cup 2026. Perhaps, France must be on their guard with him.
The former Newcastle United player saved Spain against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the Round of 16, netting the only goal of the game in the 1st minute of additional time; and against Belgium in the quarter finals, scoring the winner in a 2-1 win in the 88th minute, both goals as a substitute.
Photo: Kylian Mbappe of France | Mikel Merino of Spain
