World Cup: France vs Spain semi-final team news and key stats
By Joel Masibo, July 14, 2026France and Spain will renew one of international football’s fiercest rivalries when they meet on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final at Dallas Stadium, with a coveted place in the championship match on the line.
The winners will progress to the final, where they will face either England or defending champions Argentina.
Match preview
France are hoping to reach a third consecutive World Cup final, a feat previously achieved only by Brazil and Germany. Didier Deschamps’ men have enjoyed a flawless campaign, winning all six of their matches at the tournament.
Les Bleus finished top of Group I before eliminating Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco in the knockout rounds, scoring 16 goals along the way. Their latest victory came against Morocco, where captain Kylian Mbappe recovered from a missed penalty to score the opening goal before setting up Ousmane Dembele to seal a comfortable win.
France’s attack has been among the most dangerous in the competition, with Mbappe and Dembele combining effectively alongside Michael Olise and either Bradley Barcola or Desire Doue. The quartet has consistently troubled opposing defences throughout the tournament.
Although Deschamps has traditionally favoured a cautious tactical approach, the veteran coach has allowed his side greater attacking freedom during what will be his final tournament in charge after a remarkable 14-year spell.
The French boss is also set to make history by managing his 26th World Cup match, moving ahead of former Germany coach Helmut Schon for the most matches coached at the tournament.
France’s record in World Cup semi-finals also provides encouragement. They have won each of their last four appearances at this stage, keeping clean sheets in the previous three. They also defeated Spain 3-1 in their only previous World Cup meeting after coming from behind.
Spain, however, arrive with recent psychological advantages over their neighbours. La Roja have won seven of their last 10 meetings against France, including a 2-1 victory in the Euro 2024 semi-finals before lifting the title, and a thrilling 5-4 success in the 2025 UEFA Nations League finals.
That Nations League encounter saw Mbappe score from the penalty spot for France, while teenage sensation Lamine Yamal netted twice and Mikel Merino also found the back of the net.
Merino has continued to play a decisive role at this World Cup. The midfielder became the first player to score winning goals as a substitute in two different knockout matches after striking late against Belgium in the quarter-finals.
Spain advanced from Group H before comfortably defeating Austria and edging Portugal thanks to another dramatic Merino winner.
The reigning European champions are now preparing for only their second World Cup semi-final since winning the tournament in South Africa in 2010.
Luis de la Fuente’s side have been one of the competition’s most consistent teams in recent years. Since the 2018 World Cup, Spain have suffered just one defeat in major tournaments, remaining unbeaten in their last 14 matches while recording nine clean sheets.
De la Fuente has enjoyed a remarkable rise since taking charge of the national team, winning 12 of his first 13 matches as Spain coach.
Team news
France expect Mbappe to be fit despite suffering a minor ankle problem during the quarter-final against Morocco.
Midfielder Manu Kone was also substituted after experiencing a knee issue, although the injury is not believed to be serious. He will compete with Aurelien Tchouameni, who recently returned from a thigh injury, for a starting place.
Mbappe heads into the semi-final with eight goals and remains one of the favourites to win the Golden Boot. He has formed an outstanding partnership with Ballon d’Or winner Dembele, with the pair creating 19 chances for one another during the tournament.
Deschamps must still decide whether to start Desire Doue or Bradley Barcola alongside Mbappe, Dembele and Olise in attack.
Spain also have selection decisions to make in the final third. Mikel Oyarzabal, who has scored four goals at the tournament, is expected to lead the attack, while Ferran Torres, Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino are all pushing for starting roles.
Merino’s recent heroics have strengthened his case for a place in midfield, while Pedri is also challenging for inclusion. Their potential promotion could leave Fabian Ruiz or Dani Olmo on the bench.
Lamine Yamal has yet to produce the dazzling displays that made headlines at Euro 2024, but the teenager remains a key figure on the right wing, with Pedro Porro expected to continue at right-back ahead of Marcos Llorente.
Possible starting lineups
France: Maignan, Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Doué; Mbappé.
Spain: Simón; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Yamal, Dani Olmo, Baena, Oyarzabal.