France and Spain meet once again after their dramatic game in the Nations League semifinal last year, which Spain won 5-4.
The FIFA World Cup has reached the semi-final as France and Spain lock horns in a mouth-watering semi-final. Two of Europe’s biggest footballing nations will battle for a place in the final, with France chasing a third consecutive World Cup final appearance while Spain aim to continue their impressive resurgence under Luis de la Fuente.
Place aux demi-finales 👀🇫🇷🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/LKFtV4JKvH
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) July 12, 2026
Preview
France booked their place in the last four with a composed 2-0 victory over Morocco. Kylian Mbappe recovered from an early penalty miss to score his eighth goal of the tournament before Ousmane Dembele sealed the win, while Didier Deschamps’ side recorded yet another clean sheet.
Les Bleus have looked increasingly balanced throughout the competition, combining devastating attacking quality with one of the tournament’s most disciplined defensive units.
Spain, meanwhile, edged past Belgium 2-1 in a dramatic quarter-final thanks to another late intervention from Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino. After also scoring the winner against Portugal in the previous round, Merino has emerged as Spain’s unlikely hero despite starting only one match at the tournament.
History also adds another fascinating layer to this encounter. France defeated Spain 2-1 in the Euros semi-final in 2024 before La Roja gained revenge with a narrow victory 5-4 victory in their most recent meeting in the Nations League semi-final.
Team News
France are expected to receive a major boost with Kylian Mbappe likely to be fit despite suffering an ankle knock against Morocco. The Real Madrid forward was substituted late in the match as a precaution but is not expected to miss the semi-final.
Didier Deschamps has no fresh suspension concerns and is likely to keep faith with the side that has carried France this far.
For Spain, Mikel Merino is pushing for a place in the starting XI after his match-winning performances, but De la Fuente may once again opt to use the Arsenal midfielder as an impact substitute.
France vs Spain Predicted XI
France Predicted XI
Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe
Spain Predicted XI
Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal
Score Prediction
France 2-1 Spain (after extra time)
