‘Vive Les Bleus!’: Samdech Techo Hun Sen Cheers France in Sessage to Macron

PHNOM PENH, July 13, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Senate president Samdech Techo Hun Sen said Monday he had sent a message to French President Emmanuel Macron expressing support for France’s national football team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Samdech Techo said he wished Macron and his family well before voicing confidence in “Les Bleus” and hoping they would win the tournament. His message ended with the phrase “Vive Les Bleus!”, a slogan widely used by supporters of the French side.

The former prime minister added that he and Macron had remained in regular contact since late 2022, continuing to exchange messages via WhatsApp after he stepped down from office.

He said their communication reflected the close ties between Cambodia and France, which are set to deepen further with Macron’s planned visit to Phnom Penh in November for the Francophonie summit.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s comments were accompanied by a photograph showing him holding the FIFA World Cup trophy and wearing a number 9 football shirt.

He explained the image was taken during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour in 2022, when FIFA brought the trophy to Cambodia ahead of the Qatar tournament. He said the number 9 jersey was his personal football shirt, worn whenever he played the sport.

France, runners‑up at the 2022 World Cup after losing to Argentina in the final, are considered among the favourites for the 2026 edition, which will be co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.