France and Spain will reignite one of international football’s biggest rivalries on Tuesday night as both nations battle for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The heavyweight clash pits two-time world champions France against reigning European champions Spain, with the winner progressing to Sunday’s final against either England or Argentina.
France are appearing in their third consecutive World Cup semi-final and are aiming to become only the third nation, after Brazil and Germany, to reach three successive World Cup finals.
Les Bleus have been impressive throughout the tournament, winning all six of their matches. They topped Group I before eliminating Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco in the knockout rounds, scoring 16 goals along the way.
Their quarter-final victory over Morocco showcased both their attacking quality and resilience. Although Kylian Mbappe missed a first-half penalty, the captain responded by scoring a brilliant opener before setting up Ousmane Dembele to seal a comfortable victory.
France’s attack, featuring Mbappe, Dembele, Michael Olise and either Bradley Barcola or Desire Doue, has emerged as one of the most dangerous in the competition.
Head coach Didier Deschamps, who is set to step down after the tournament, has allowed his side to play with greater attacking freedom than in previous years.
The 57-year-old will oversee his 26th World Cup match, surpassing the long-standing managerial record previously held by Helmut Schon.
History also favours France, who have won each of their last four World Cup semi-finals, keeping clean sheets in the last three.
They also defeated Spain 3-1 in their only previous World Cup meeting after coming from behind.
However, Spain have enjoyed the upper hand in recent encounters, winning seven of their last 10 matches against France.
Those victories include a 2-1 success in the Euro 2024 semi-finals and an entertaining 5-4 triumph in last year’s UEFA Nations League finals.
In that Nations League clash, Mbappe found the net from the penalty spot, while teenage sensation Lamine Yamal scored twice and Mikel Merino also got on the scoresheet.
Merino has continued his remarkable impact at this World Cup, becoming the first player to score winning goals as a substitute in two separate knockout matches.
His late strike against Belgium secured Spain’s place in the semi-finals after they had earlier topped Group H and defeated Austria and Portugal.
Spain are now chasing only their second World Cup final appearance, having lifted the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
Luis de la Fuente’s side have also been remarkably consistent in major tournaments. Since the 2018 World Cup, La Roja have suffered just one defeat in 27 major tournament matches and are unbeaten in their last 14, recording nine clean sheets during that run.
The Spanish coach has enjoyed a remarkable rise, winning 12 of his first 13 World Cup matches, setting up a fascinating tactical contest with the vastly experienced Deschamps.
Team News
Mbappe is expected to be available despite suffering a minor ankle injury in the quarter-final, while Manu Kone should also recover after being substituted as a precaution with a knee concern. Aurelien Tchouameni is pushing to return from a thigh injury.
Mbappe, who has already scored eight goals in the tournament, is expected to lead France’s attack alongside Ballon d’Or winner Dembele, with Olise and either Doue or Barcola completing the frontline.
Spain also have selection decisions to make. Mikel Oyarzabal is likely to spearhead the attack after scoring four goals, although Ferran Torres, Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino are all pushing for starting places.
In midfield, Pedri and Merino are competing for inclusion, while Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo face stiff competition.
On the right flank, Yamal is expected to retain his place, with Pedro Porro continuing at right-back ahead of Marcos Llorente.
Probable Line-ups
France: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe.
Spain: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal.
Prediction
With both sides boasting exceptional quality and tournament pedigree, another closely contested encounter is expected.
Spain’s impressive unbeaten run may stretch through normal and extra time, but France’s experience and composure could prove decisive in a penalty shootout, sending Les Bleus into another World Cup final.
