France face Spain in World Cup semi-final as Koné awaits confirmation

AS Roma has opened ticket sales for their opening summer friendly against Cannes, scheduled for 18:00 on 26 July at Stade Pierre de Coubertin. Away supporters can purchase tickets for the Ouest stand exclusively online through the official AS Cannes website at 15 euros per ticket. Tickets are available in both PDF and digital formats, with the latter downloadable to Apple or Android devices. Information regarding gate opening times, entry procedures, and security protocols will be communicated in the days leading up to the match. For assistance and further details, supporters can contact the host club at billetterie@ascannes.fr.

Manu Koné produced an outstanding performance as France defeated Morocco 2-0, showcasing the intensity and ball-winning prowess that have marked his tournament. Deployed in midfield as Tchouameni faced repeated fitness issues, Koné made his fourth World Cup start across six appearances, playing 71 minutes before being replaced by Zaire-Emery. His display was characterised by relentless pressing and tactical discipline, recovering possession at crucial moments—including one key intervention early in the second half on a Brahim Diaz counter-attack that could have shifted the match's trajectory. Koné's statistics underlined his control of the middle ground: 35 completed passes from 38 attempts (92% accuracy), one key pass, six ball recoveries, four tackles won, and one shot attempted. His energetic contribution drew praise from supporters on social media. The Roma midfielder's combative style marks a departure from his domestic approach, where he typically operates with more restraint. Notably, his Roma teammate Neil El Aynaoui also featured in the fixture. France now advance to the semi-finals, where they will face either Spain or Belgium.

France advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup in America by defeating Morocco 2-0. Adrien Rabiot praised his midfield partner Manu Koné after the match, telling beIN Sports: "Io e Manu siamo stati devastanti, li abbiamo divorati. Quando lasciavamo loro il possesso palla, non erano molto pericolosi. Avevamo poco da temere col Marocco. Questa è la sensazione che abbiamo avuto in campo. È sorprendente. Restano comunque una squadra capace di fare la differenza in qualsiasi momento, perché hanno giocatori individuali straordinari. Per questo siamo sempre rimasti vigili." Koné, a Roma midfielder, featured prominently in the France midfield during the knockout fixture. Rabiot's assessment highlighted the pair's control of the match's tempo and their ability to limit Morocco's attacking threat. Manager Didier Deschamps' side now await their semi-final opponent as the tournament progresses.