France vs Spain: World Cup semi-final preview

France are appearing in their third consecutive World Cup semi-final after reaching the finals in 2018 and 2022, lifting the trophy in Russia before losing a dramatic penalty shootout to Argentina in Qatar despite Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick. Didier Deschamps' side are now aiming to win a third World Cup title and give their departing coach the perfect farewell after his 14 years in charge.

Standing in their way is a Spain side that many believe has all the ingredients to become world champions for only the second time, following their triumph in South Africa in 2010.

France boast one of the tournament's most dangerous attacks, led by Mbappe, who shares the Golden Boot lead with Lionel Messi on eight goals. The Real Madrid forward is supported by Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, while Paris Saint-Germain duo Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue provide further firepower from the bench.

Les Bleus have also created more expected goals (xG) than any other team remaining in the tournament, underlining the attacking threat they will carry into Dallas.

Spain, however, have been equally impressive at the other end of the pitch. Belgium's goal in the quarter-finals was the first La Roja had conceded all tournament, with Luis de la Fuente's side combining their trademark possession-based football with a disciplined defensive structure.

The spotlight will inevitably fall on 19-year-old Lamine Yamal. After celebrating his birthday on Monday, the Barcelona star said the perfect present would be victory over France and a place in Sunday's final in New York.

Yamal has steadily improved after arriving at the tournament recovering from a hamstring injury and produced a player-of-the-match display in Spain's 2-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium.

The teenager also dismissed suggestions he should fear France, pointing instead to Spain's recent record against their opponents.

"I was asked if I was afraid of France, and I said no," Yamal explained. "We are European champions. It's simply football."

Spain defeated France 2-1 in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals before edging them 5-4 in the 2025 UEFA Nations League semi-finals, giving La Roja confidence ahead of another heavyweight meeting.

Deschamps, though, has insisted Spain deserve favourites' status.

"Forget about the first game against Cape Verde," the France coach said. "Ever since then Spain have confirmed that they are the favourites."

A minute's silence will be observed before kick-off to mark the 10th anniversary of the July 14, 2016 attack in Nice.

History also offers an intriguing subplot. This will be only the second meeting between France and Spain at a FIFA World Cup, with Les Bleus coming from behind to win 3-1 in the last 16 in 2006.

With Mbappe chasing another World Cup final, Yamal looking to announce himself on football's biggest stage, and two of Europe's finest sides meeting once again, all the ingredients are in place for a memorable semi-final.

Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe

Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal

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