France and Spain face off in a high-stakes FIFA World Cup semi-final, with the match overshadowed by a controversy over a former Spanish prime minister's column that sparked accusations of racism.The French team, undefeated and top-ranked, meets a Spain side that has only conceded once in the tournament.

The buildup to the clash in Arlington, Texas, has been dominated by backlash against Mariano Rajoy's remarks, which suggested French players lacked 'Frenchness' due to their mixed heritage.

France's foreign minister and football federation president condemned the comments as racist, while Spain's government and players emphasized national identity should not be questioned based on family origins.Both teams remain unbeaten, with France boasting a perfect record at the tournament and Spain maintaining a strong defensive record.The match represents a pivotal moment for both nations, with the winner securing a place in the final.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions around race and nationality in international sports, with players and officials united in rejecting divisive rhetoric.