Strange, this competition, the FIFA World Cup, where nations, with teams composed solely of their "nationals", battle for a trophy, for an identity flag. However, comments abound, treating certain players as mere mercenaries. Common practices, in truth, partially, as in athletics, where certain established competitors are subject to bargaining and change nationality almost on the eve of major competitions, notably the Olympic Games. How many times have we not seen, for example, Kenyan runners, Ethiopian runners, of good standing, become Danish, Finnish, to name but a few. And it seems there is a certain complaisance with this legal form of "sports nationality". And we make believe that these nations have a tradition in the discipline in question. The lap of honor brandishing the flag in the wind closes eyes to all the machinations of chosen immigration. While in football, the shift is more subtle: genealogical research is carried out to justify a naturalization that would not have occurred without this eagerness to enlist a missing link to have a competitive team. But one must admit that these hybrid teams are mainly the work of small sports nations seeking recognition in minor competitions. This 2026 World Cup does not escape criticism over the true status of players on so-called national teams. France first, because it is the best among all!!! What has not been said: the Paraguayan senator merely echoes it. This team is said to be, in truth, African, while concealing that it has been composed of French people since their existence, since they were, largely, born on French soil, that's all. Are Moroccans also criticized for the opposite reason? Do we know that they were all born elsewhere than Morocco? All European teams have their "black pawns"; if they are noticed, it is only a matter of racism or ethnocentrism. Fortunately, legends like Kopa, like Platini and so many others, are still there to remind us that the world and its components change. M. Ranarivao