France and Spain renew one of international football’s fiercest rivalries in the first 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final. The clash marks their third consecutive knockout meeting at a major tournament after UEFA Euro 2024 and the 2025 UEFA Nations League Finals. France edged Morocco (2-0) in the quarter-finals, while Spain eliminated Belgium (2-1) thanks to Mikel Merino’s dramatic winner.
France vs Spain – Match Details
| France vs Spain | Tuesday, 14 July 2026, 20:00 GMT+1 |
| World Cup 2026 | Semi-finals |
| Venue | AT&T Stadium, Arlington (Dallas), United States |
| Winner (1X2) | 1: 2.43 | X: 3.25 | 2: 3.4 |
France Team News & Form
France arrive in Arlington as arguably the tournament’s most complete side. Didier Deschamps’ men have reached a third consecutive World Cup semi-final after overcoming Morocco 2-0 in the last eight and continue to combine defensive discipline with devastating attacking quality.
Kylian Mbappé leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals, while Ousmane Dembélé has enjoyed an outstanding tournament, contributing 5 goals and 2 assists. Together, the pair have produced 13 goals during France’s World Cup campaign.
There are no major fresh injury concerns ahead of the semi-final, although William Saliba’s fitness has been monitored following the quarter-final. Michael Olise has become an increasingly influential creative presence, while Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot continue to provide balance in midfield.
France are set to line up with the following players: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Koné, Rabiot; Olise, Dembélé, Doue; Mbappé.
France World Cup Matches
- France 2-0 Morocco (QF)
- Paraguay 0-1 France (RO16)
- France 3-0 Sweden (RO32)
- Norway 1-4 France (Group Stage)
- France 3-0 Iraq (Group Stage)
Spain Team News & Form
Spain have once again demonstrated why they remain one of the best teams in the world. Luis de la Fuente’s side only conceded their first goal of the tournament in the quarter-final but still found a way through.
Mikel Merino scored a late winner against Belgium to secure another major semi-final appearance. Their defensive organisation has been outstanding throughout the competition, while their patient possession game has consistently controlled matches.
Mikel Oyarzabal leads Spain with four goals, and Unai Simón has enjoyed an excellent tournament behind one of the strongest defensive units remaining. Lamine Yamal has recovered from earlier fitness concerns and is an important attacking outlet, although Spain’s success continues to be built around collective organisation.
Spain are expected to start: Simón; Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal.3
Spain World Cup Matches
- Belgium 1-2 Spain (QF)
- Portugal 0-1 Spain (RO16)
- Spain 3-0 Austria (RO32)
- Uruguay 0-1 Spain (Group Stage)
- Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia (Group Stage)
France vs Spain Prediction
Lower-odds selection: France to qualify – 1.65
France enter the semi-final with slightly greater attacking depth and have looked increasingly clinical as the tournament has progressed. Mbappé’s eight goals underline the difference-maker France possess in decisive moments, while Dembélé and Olise have consistently supplied chances from wide areas.
Spain’s excellent defensive record means this is unlikely to become an open contest. Still, France have shown they can adapt to different game states and have the individual quality to settle tight knockout matches.
Expect another closely fought encounter, with France narrowly progressing to the final.
France vs Spain Head to Head (Last 5 Meetings)
| Date | Match |
| 05/06/25 | Spain 5-4 France |
| 09/07/24 | Spain 2-1 France |
| 10/10/21 | Spain 1-2 France |
| 28/03/17 | France 0-2 Spain |
| 04/09/14 | France 1-0 Spain |
France vs Spain Betting Tip
Both Teams to Score: Yes – 2.00
Spain’s defensive numbers have been exceptional, but they now face the tournament’s most prolific attack. France have scored in every knockout match, with Mbappé and Dembélé creating problems through pace and movement.
Spain possess enough technical quality through Oyarzabal, Merino and Yamal to threaten even France’s experienced defence. Previous meetings between these nations have produced goals at both ends, including Spain’s 5-4 Nations League victory in 2025 and France’s 2-1 defeat at Euro 2024.
A competitive semi-final featuring goals for both sides offers value in this clash.
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