French Press Reacts to World Cup Defeat and Assisted Dying Vote

French media outlets on 15 July 2026 reacted to France’s 2-0 semi-final defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup, describing the loss as a “historic thrashing” and a “rude awakening.” The defeat, secured by goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on 14 July, ended France’s campaign with what sports magazine So Foot labelled a “day of national defeat.” L’Equipe stated that the players were “outclassed in every aspect,” unable to live up to the hopes they had raised.

The Spanish press celebrated the victory with equal fervour. Mundo Deportivo, AS, and Marca praised Spain’s performance, with AS calling it a “lesson for the whole world” and Marca noting the victory sends Spain to its second World Cup final. AS described the match as a “dazzling performance” that delivered a “true masterclass in soccer,” while Mundo Deportivo highlighted the impact of 19-year-old Lamine Yamal. Spain’s win extends their dominance over France, marking their third consecutive victory in high-stakes encounters, including the Euro 2024 final and the 2025 UEFA Nations League semi-finals.

Simultaneously, French media debated the assisted dying bill scheduled for a parliamentary vote on the same day, reflecting a sharp divide between liberal support and conservative opposition. Left-wing paper Libération welcomed the reform as a “major societal reform,” arguing it would bring relief to those suffering from incurable illnesses. Conversely, right-wing Le Figaro argued that the legislation divides the executive branch and the French public, while L’Opinion reported on emerging hesitations among lawmakers aware of the historic nature of the moment.

Opposition to the bill was further articulated by nine lawmakers who published an appeal in the Catholic newspaper La Croix. They stated, “Fighting suffering can never mean eliminating the sufferer,” asserting that no one should have to choose between suffering and dying. The debate underscores the complexity of the legislation, one of President Emmanuel Macron’s flagship promises, as deputies prepare to vote on the contentious measure.

In international coverage, US publications reported on a resurgence of cigarette smoking among celebrities such as Dua Lipa, Kylie Jenner, and Hailey Bieber, framing the trend as a rejection of the previous “clean girl” wellness era. The Washington Post identified a shift in attitude towards smokers, noting that cigarettes are now viewed as “retro and very analogue” compared to the previous “near oppressive wellness” era. This cultural shift coincides with Dua Lipa’s public support for Albanian protests against a Jared Kushner-backed resort, which The Guardian described as “inspiring.”