The controversy began when former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, writing in his regular column for 'El Debate,' praised Spain's performance against Belgium but then turned his attention to France's national team. He described the French squad as being of the very highest level but "without French players," predicting they would be a "formidable" opponent for Spain. The comment circulated widely in Spanish media and crossed into France, prompting a response from President Emmanuel Macron's government.