For one evening at least, Les Bleus accomplished what few others can: uniting France’s political class.
Senior French politicians from across the spectrum praised France’s victory over Morocco in the World Cup quarterfinals on Thursday night, as they eye eventual glory in New Jersey on July 19.
“We’re proud of our Les Bleus,” said French President Emmanuel Macron. “Congratulations to Morocco, a formidable opponent tonight just as they were four years ago. France is in the semifinals, with panache and camaraderie!” His party ally Benjamin Haddad, France’s Europe minister, added: “Bravo to the French team for delivering a magnificent collective performance. The adventure continues!”
Even Jordan Bardella joined the chorus — notable given the French far right’s often fraught relationship with the multicultural national team.
“Congratulations to the French team, which completely dominated the game and advanced to the semifinals. Les Bleus are now just two games away from the ultimate achievement!” said the National Rally party president.
Surprisingly, none of France’s 2027 presidential wannabes — far-right Marine Le Pen, conservative Bruno Retailleau, centrist Edouard Philippe and hard-left Jean-Luc Mélenchon — were quick to post their reaction to the result.
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