Former Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy faces criticism after making comments about France’s World Cup team ahead of a match between the two countries. Multiple reports say the remarks have drawn backlash in Spain, though the available coverage focuses more on public reaction than on the specific content of the statements. The Independent highlights that Rajoy’s comments are viewed negatively by some observers, prompting calls for clarification or criticism of the remarks. ABC News reports similarly that Rajoy is being challenged for what he said about the French team, again emphasizing that the controversy arises ahead of the match. The Winnipeg Free Press also flags the same basic development, describing the backlash surrounding Rajoy’s comments about France’s World Cup team. Across the sources, the central points are that Rajoy, a former Spanish political leader, makes comments related to France’s World Cup squad, and that those comments lead to public criticism in Spain as the teams approach their World Cup encounter.