Two of Europe’s heavyweights will meet in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup as France take on Spain in Dallas.
Thanks to the new draw routing for this year’s tournament, it meant that none of the top four-ranked nations would meet until the semi-finals if they won their respective groups.
They all won their groups, they all made it to the semi-finals and now they will face off for a place in the final.
France beat Morocco 2-0 in their quarter-final to book their place in the semis. It wasn’t all plain sailing for Didier Deschamps’ men though. It took them an hour to break through, thanks to some magic from who else but Kylian Mbappe. Ousmane Dembele then added a second shortly after to ensure Les Blues’ victory.
Luis de la Fuente and Spain left it yet once again. They were also saved by the same man once again. After Fabian Ruiz’s opener, Belgium equalised through Charles De Ketelaere. Then Mikel Merino scored late on, as he did against Portugal, to put Spain 2-1 up and send them through.
France will be looking to reach three World Cup finals in as many tournaments, but the European champions won’t make it easy for them.
Whoever does come out on top in this one will face England or Argentina in the final, which takes place on Sunday, July 19 in New York/New Jersey.
How to watch France vs Spain
France vs Spain kicks off at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, July 11 at the Miami Stadium.
This match will be shown live in the UK on ITV, with streaming also available via ITVX.
In the United States, World Cup coverage is available on FOX Sports and Telemundo.
In Canada, coverage is available on CTV, TSN and RDS.
France team news
Didier Deschamps has no major reason to shake up the side after France’s quarter-final victory over Morocco, with the same core expected to start once again in Atlanta.
Mike Maignan should continue in goal behind a settled back four of Jules Koundé, Ibrahima Konaté, William Saliba and Lucas Digne.
That defensive unit has grown stronger as the tournament has progressed and will face its toughest test yet against Spain’s attack.
Aurélien Tchouaméni is expected to return to the midfield alongside Adrien Rabiot, after missing out against Morocco due to injury.
Further forward, Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola are set to start out wide. Michael Olise will operate freely in the middle. Kylian Mbappe will once again lead the line.
Mbappé has been France’s biggest threat throughout the tournament. While Dembélé’s pace and direct running could be crucial on the counter.
Expected XI:
(4-2-3-1) Maignan – Koundé, Konaté, Saliba, Hernández – Tchouaméni, Rabiot – Dembélé, Olise, Barcola – Mbappé.
Spain team news
Spain are also expected to stick with the side that edged past Belgium to reach the semi-finals, with Luis de la Fuente unlikely to make many, if any, changes.
Unai Simón should start in goal behind a defence of Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella.
Spain have looked comfortable in possession throughout the tournament, but they have also defended well when needed.
Rodri will once again sit at the base of midfield with Pedri and Dani Olmo providing the creativity ahead of them. That trio has controlled games for long spells and will be key if Spain are to dictate the tempo against France.
Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena are expected to keep their places on the wings after another lively display in the quarter-finals, while Mikel Oyarzabal should continue through the middle.
Spain have shared the goals around this summer, but all three attackers have caused problems for defences.
Expected XI:
(4-3-3) Simón – Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella – Rodri, Pedri, Olmo – Lamine Yamal, Oyarzabal, Baena.
France vs Spain stats
- France reached the World Cup semi-finals after overcoming Morocco in a hard-fought quarter-final.
- Spain booked their place in the last four by defeating Belgium in the quarter-finals.
- France remain unbeaten at the 2026 World Cup and have found a way through every test they’ve faced so far.
- Spain are also unbeaten in the tournament and have impressed with their control of possession and attacking football.
- Spain beat France in the Euro 2024 semi-finals before winning the tournament.
- France have won four of their last five meetings with Spain in all competitions.
- This will be the first time France and Spain have met at a FIFA World Cup since the round of 16 in 2006.
- France are aiming to reach their third consecutive World Cup final
- Spain are looking to reach their first World Cup final since winning the tournament in 2010.
France vs Spain prediction
This feels like the final before the final.
You could make a convincing case for either side reaching the actual final. Spain have shown they can win ugly when they need to, while France have probably played the better football across the tournament.
The biggest difference between these teams is their approach. Spain want to control the ball, wear you down and create openings through patience.
France are more direct; they want to use their skill and pace to beat defenders or punish any space left in behind.
That makes this a fascinating tactical battle.
Spain will almost certainly enjoy more possession, but that does not automatically make them favourites. France have looked incredibly comfortable without the ball throughout the tournament and possess the pace to hurt anyone on the counter.
If Kylian Mbappé gets space to attack Spain’s high defensive line, he only needs one chance to change the game.
At the other end, Spain’s ability to stretch defences could cause France problems, especially if they isolate the full-backs.
Neither manager will want to give the other an inch with a place in the World Cup final at stake, and these games often come down to one big moment rather than constant attacking football.
It would not be a surprise if this needed extra time, but France have developed a habit of finding a way through when the pressure is highest. They’ve looked more convincing than Spain this tournament for me.
My picks for this game would be: France to qualify, Kylian Mbappé to score anytime and both teams to score.
