France and Spain will battle for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final when the European heavyweights meet in Tuesday’s semi-final.
France are aiming to move a step closer to winning a third World Cup title after lifting the trophy in 1998 and 2018. Les Bleus reached the final again in 2022 but were denied by Argentina in a dramatic penalty shootout despite Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick.
Spain, meanwhile, are chasing their second World Cup crown, having won their only title at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
The Spaniards recovered from an underwhelming start to the competition, which began with a goalless draw against tournament debutants Cape Verde, to emerge as one of the favourites for the title. They have since impressed with their possession-based football and defensive solidity, conceding just one goal on their route to the last four.
France will once again rely on captain Kylian Mbappe, who heads into the semi-final level with Argentina’s Lionel Messi on eight goals in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot. Mbappe is expected to spearhead an attack that also features Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue.
For France head coach Didier Deschamps, the tournament represents his final assignment after 14 years in charge of the national team. The World Cup-winning coach will be hoping to end his tenure by guiding Les Bleus to another global title.
Despite his side’s pedigree, Deschamps described Spain as favourites, citing their performances since the opening group-stage match.
Spain’s hopes will rest heavily on teenage winger Lamine Yamal, whose influence has grown as the tournament has progressed. The Barcelona star delivered a standout performance in Spain’s 2-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium and believes his side can draw confidence from recent victories over France in the UEFA Euro 2024 and UEFA Nations League semi-finals.
Yamal said Spain’s status as European champions gives the squad confidence but insisted there was no fear of the French team.
The winner of Tuesday’s encounter will advance to Sunday’s World Cup final, where either defending champions Argentina or England await.
