From the emotional rollercoaster of the football - via a Franco-Spanish quarrel - to Elon Musk's intervention in the French presidential race, plus a landmark new law and far too many wildfires, here's the latest news and talking points from France.
Emma Pearson - emma.pearson@thelocal.com
Updated: Sat 18 Jul 2026 10:04 CET
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France football captain Kylian Mbappe reacts after the team was beaten by Spain in the semi final of the 2026 World Cup. Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP
From the emotional rollercoaster of the football - via a Franco-Spanish quarrel - to Elon Musk's intervention in the French presidential race, plus a landmark new law and far too many wildfires, here's the latest news and talking points from France.
Racism row erupts before France vs Spain World Cup semi-final
France vs Spain: The rivalry that changed Europe now collides on football's biggest stage
What time is France v Spain – and how can I watch the match?
The big blot on the beautiful game | On racism in football
Elon Musk's backing of Le Pen presidential bid raises foreign influence concerns in France
France v Spain semi-final: Titans clash as players respond to 'racist' column
France World Cup controversy highlights growing role of fan tokens in sport sentiment markets
French media’s savage reaction to team’s World Cup defeat to Spain
Kylian Mbappe at centre of heated France rift at World Cup as new details emerge
From Bondy to the World Cup, Kylian Mbappé’s journey reflects modern France -- its colonial past, immigrant present and…
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was cleared to run in next year's presidential election, despite having her embezzlement…
From France's love affair with roundabouts to the country's attempts at a reckoning with its slave-trading past, via the latest…
From the power of the canicule and the country's best music festival, via the troubled history of Versailles treaties, Inside…
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With hundreds of athletes lining up behind Mbappé’s call to block the National Rally, the battle over France’s next president is…
