Ursula von der Leyen Backs European Teams in FIFA World Cup 2026

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has expressed her support for European teams in the FIFA World Cup 2026, assuring that at least one will reach the final. As the semi-finals unfold, France faces Spain, while Argentina takes on England. With key players returning to the lineups, the excitement builds for the championship clash. Discover more about the teams and their strategies as they vie for the coveted title.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 15, 2026, 02:16 IST

Support for European Teams

On July 15, in Brussels, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, voiced her encouragement for Europe's representatives in the FIFA World Cup 2026. She stated that a European team is assured a spot in the final, regardless of the outcome of the first semi-final match.

Von der Leyen shared a photo on X, showcasing herself with a football adorned with the European Union flag, captioning it, "Whoever wins tonight, a strong European team will be in the final!"

Whoever wins tonight, a strong European team will be in the final! pic.twitter.com/MTwjUPzouM

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) July 14, 2026

The first semi-final features a match between France and Spain, ensuring that one European nation will secure a place in the championship match.

The second semi-final will see Argentina, the defending champions, go head-to-head with England, with the winner set to face either France or Spain in the final.

Von der Leyen's statement came as football enthusiasts across Europe eagerly awaited the result of this intense rivalry.

France has made some changes to their starting lineup, recalling Bradley Barcola and Aurelien Tchouameni for the semi-final against Spain. Barcola replaces Desire Doue, joining Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and captain Kylian Mbappe in the attack.

Tchouameni returns to the starting XI after recovering from injury, partnering with Adrien Rabiot in midfield.

On the other hand, Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente has decided to maintain the same lineup that played in their last match.

Fabian Ruiz continues in midfield alongside Rodri and Dani Olmo, while Pedri remains on the bench.

In attack, Alex Baena joins the young talent Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal.

The winners of this semi-final will advance to face either Argentina or England in the FIFA World Cup final.

France's lineup includes: Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappe (captain).

Spain's lineup features: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri (captain), Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Alex Baena, Mikel Oyarzabal.