In what looked like their most promising World Cup, the dream is over for France, while Spain is daring to believe that World Cup glory is only 90 minutes away.
The streets of Paris fell silent on Tuesday night as Les Bleus crashed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 2,0 semifinal defeat to Spain.
Fans who had packed bars, restaurants and public viewing areas watched in disbelief as their hopes of another world title disappeared before their eyes.
French flags that had been waved proudly before kick off were slowly folded away as the final whistle confirmed the end of the journey. The disbelief could also largely be owed to the fact that they will not get a revenge match against Argentina in a World Cup final after the 2022 heartbreak.
There were tears, stunned expressions and long moments of silence outside viewing venues across the French capital.
Many supporters remained standing long after the match had ended, struggling to accept that a talented squad led by Kylian Mbappe had fallen one step short of another World Cup final.
The defeat was made even more painful by the knowledge that France had looked so convincing throughout the knockout stages before running into an inspired Spanish side.
Meanwhile, hundreds of kilometres across Europe, Madrid erupted into one giant celebration.
Car horns echoed through the city centre as jubilant supporters draped in red and yellow poured into famous squares waving flags, singing songs and embracing complete strangers.
Flares lit up the night sky while chants of “España” rang out from packed streets, celebrating a team that has blended youthful brilliance with remarkable composure.
For many Spanish fans, this victory represents more than just reaching another World Cup final. It is a statement that a new generation has arrived, with exciting young stars carrying the nation back to football’s biggest stage.
They now have the opportunity to reaffirm La Roja’s name as the Champions of Europe and the rest of the World.
Jehran Naidoo is sports reporter for Independent Media and social media coordinator of the our YouTube channel The Clutch
