Koné Unused in Starting XI as France Eliminated by Spain
Squad News·14 July 2026·6h ago

Koné Unused in Starting XI as France Eliminated by Spain

Source: Roma News

Manu Koné's World Cup campaign ended in the semifinal as France fell 2–0 to Spain. The Roma midfielder started on the bench before entering the pitch at half-time and completing the second 45 minutes, but could not help overturn the match. Spain progressed to the final courtesy of goals from Pedro Porro and Mikel Oyarzabal, confirming their strong tournament run and eliminating the Bleus at the penultimate stage.

Koné, born in 2001, had delivered solid performances earlier in the competition, including in the quarter-final against Morocco. His second-half appearance in the semifinal represented an attempt by France to inject greater dynamism into midfield, though the adjustment proved unsuccessful. The Roma centrocampi concluded his World Cup experience without preventing defeat.

With his international commitments finished, Koné is now expected to return to Trigoria to rejoin Gian Piero Gasperini's squad and begin preparations for the new season.

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Manu Koné's World Cup campaign ended in disappointment as France fell 2–0 to Spain in the semifinal. The Roma midfielder started on the bench before entering at half-time but could not help overturn the match, with goals from Pedro Porro and Mikel Oyarzabal sending Spain to the final. Koné had impressed earlier in the tournament, notably in the quarterfinal against Morocco. According to L'Équipe, France coach opted to recall Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni to partner Adrien Rabiot in midfield, with the tactical shift reflecting Tchouaméni's return from injury rather than criticism of Koné's performances. Despite the bench role, Koné has been among France's standout players and continues to attract attention from European clubs. Roma view the 24-year-old as a key squad member with no intention of allowing him to leave. With his international commitments concluded, Koné is now expected to return to Trigoria to rejoin Gian Piero Gasperini's squad for the new season.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

Si ferma in semifinale il cammino mondiale di Manu Koné. Il centrocampista della Roma, inizialmente in panchina, è entrato in campo all’intervallo disputando tutti i secondi 45 minuti della sfida tra Francia e Spagna. I Bleus, però, non sono riusciti a ribaltare l’inerzia della gara e hanno ceduto…

Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.

Read original on Roma News

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