France face Spain in the first of the 2026 World Cup semi-finals tonight.
It’s a massive match up between two European giants at Dallas Stadium, with a place in the final at stake.
France vs Spain – Match preview and team news
- Date: Tuesday, 14th July.
- Kick-off: 8pm BST.
- Venue: Dallas Stadium, Texas.
France team news
France face minor injury doubts but carry no suspensions into this crucial clash. Captain Kylian Mbappé has recovered from an ankle knock sustained against Morocco and trained normally, ensuring he will lead the attack.
In midfield, Aurélien Tchouaméni is managing a groin issue, while Manu Koné is dealing with a slight knee knock; both remain doubtful but hope to feature. Defensively, William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano sat out weekend training sessions due to back pain and a foot injury, respectively. However, both precautions are expected to clear, allowing them to anchor the backline alongside Jules Koundé and Lucas Digne.
With all previous tournament yellow cards wiped clean, Didier Deschamps has a full squad available outside of these fitness tests. He is expected to deploy an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation, utilising Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé to support Mbappé up front.
Spain team news
Spain enter the semi-final with a remarkably clean bill of health and no disciplinary suspensions. Luis de la Fuente’s squad reported no fresh injuries following their quarter-final victory over Belgium.
Nico Williams has fully shaken off a heavy knock from earlier in the knockout rounds, though Baena may still get the nod. On the bench, Yeremy Pino has recovered from a collarbone sprain, and Victor Muñoz has overcome a muscular issue, giving Spain excellent depth in the later stages.
Like their opponents, Spain benefit from the yellow card clean slate, meaning key midfield orchestrator Rodri faces no suspension risks. Spain will likely mirror France’s 4-2-3-1 system, leaning on the creative brilliance of Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo to break down the French defence in Dallas.
Form
France
France enter the semi-final in exceptional form, carrying an unblemished perfect record through the 2026 World Cup. Didier Deschamps’ men cruised through Group I by defeating Senegal (3-1), Iraq (3-0), and Norway (4-1). They maintained their defensive dominance in the knockout stages, shutting out Sweden 3-0 in the round of 32 and sneaking past Paraguay 1-0. Most recently, they secured a clinical 2-0 victory against Morocco in the quarter-finals.
Spain
Spain remain undefeated in the tournament, showcasing a balanced and lethal squad. After an opening 0-0 draw against Cabo Verde, La Roja found its rhythm by dismantling Saudi Arabia 4-0 and edging out Uruguay 1-0.
They carried that momentum into the knockouts, dominating Austria 3-0 and defeating rivals Portugal 1-0. Spain booked their spot in the final four with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Belgium.
France vs Spain – Predicted lineups
France: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe
Spain: Simón; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal.
How to watch France vs Spain
You can watch the France vs Spain World Cup semi-final match live on ITV1 in the UK.
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