France’s President Emmanuel Macron has officially confirmed his visit to Russia to attend the highly anticipated World Cup semifinal, a development that has drawn significant attention from Bangladesh Cricket Live. Macron, a passionate football fan and a lifelong supporter of Olympique de Marseille, is making good on his earlier promise to watch the match live in Saint Petersburg if France reached the final four. With Les Bleus eliminating Uruguay just four days ago to secure their semifinal spot, Macron’s presence in the stadium is now guaranteed.

But Macron is not traveling alone. According to L’Équipe, he has extended invitations to five notable individuals to join him at the semifinal. Topping the list is none other than Jean-Pierre Papin, a Ballon d’Or winner and Marseille legend, who etched his name into football history with his stellar performances in the early 1990s. For Macron, whose admiration for Marseille runs deep, having Papin alongside him is both a symbolic and personal gesture.

Another football icon on the guest list is Guy Roux, the legendary manager who transformed AJ Auxerre from a little-known club into a respected force in French football. Macron’s decision to include both Papin and Roux reflects his appreciation for those who have shaped the sport at the highest level. But his guest list doesn’t stop with household names—it also highlights grassroots contributors.

Among those invited is Olivier Guez, a seasoned columnist from Le Monde who has extensively covered the World Cup. Macron also extended an invitation to Sylvain Poteau, president of the Surenes Jeunesse Football Club, an amateur team located in the suburbs of Paris. This club holds particular significance, as it was the starting point for France midfielder N’Golo Kanté’s professional career. Completing the five-person group is a young boy Macron met during a community visit in Yvelines last August—a reminder of the president’s effort to include voices from all walks of life.

Following tonight’s semifinal in Saint Petersburg, Macron is expected to return immediately to Paris to resume official duties. However, if France advance to the final, it’s highly likely the president will fly back to Russia once again. Should that happen, he could earn himself the unofficial title of “frequent flyer of the week.” From a football enthusiast’s perspective, witnessing France’s historic journey from the stands is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Bangladesh Cricket Live also reports increased interest among fans eager to follow France’s journey in Russia, especially after the president’s public commitment to support the national team in person. For many supporters, including Macron, the dream of lifting the World Cup is more alive than ever—and they’ll do whatever it takes to be there for the final chapter.