France and Spain will battle for a place in the FIFA World Cup Final when they meet at Dallas Stadium in Texas on the evening of Tuesday 14 July, kick-off at 9pm CAT.
Form and team news
France booked their place in the Semifinals with an emphatic 2-0 win over Morocco in Boston last Thursday. Kylian Mbappe (who missed a penalty) opened the scoring and provided an assist for Ousmane Dembele, as the two-time World Cup winners put themselves just one game away from a third successive appearance in the Final.
Les Bleus have been the most impressive team at the tournament, playing a flowing style of football that has combined plenty of goals (16 in 6 matches) and resilience in defence (just 2 conceded). Their balance, team spirit and composure have shone through – little wonder they are regarded as the clear favourites.
France’s main injury concern is over midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who has missed the last two matches (though he was on the bench for the Quarterfinal). However, Manu Kone has stepped into the role almost seamlessly. Les Bleus are also concerned over Mbappe, who suffered a knock to the ankle against Morocco, but he is expected to lead the attack without any issues.
Spain once again left it late to secure victory when they overcame Belgium in the Quarterfinals. With the match locked at 1-1 after goals from Fabian Ruiz and Charles De Ketelaere, Mikel Merino struck in the 88th minute to grasp a 2-1 triumph – and Spain’s first World Cup Semifinal since they won the tournament in 2010.
Merino also scored late to secure the win over Portugal in the Round of 16, as Spain demonstrated their strength and versatility. La Roja have an unmatched ability to control a game through a combination of possession and an excellent defence (just 1 goal conceded), but they will need to go up a gear to outplay France.
Spain’s injury roster has fluctuated through the course of the tournament. Nico Williams appearing as a substitute against Belgium was a boost, though Yeremy Pino and Victor Munoz remain doubtful for the Semifinal.
What the teams are saying
France forward Kylian Mbappe
“We’re well aware of the potential of this team, but that’s not what wins you matches. We’re confident when we step out on to the pitch, but we still have to prove ourselves before being called invincible, or whatever superlative you want to us.”
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente
“France has exceptional potential, and so do we. We have very high expectations for the next game. We are aware of the great potential the opponent in front of us has, but are also aware that the only team that has beaten them in the last two semifinals [in UEFA Euro 2024 and the 2025 UEFA Nations League] they’ve played has been us.”
Players to watch
France – Kylian Mbappe
Eleven goal involvements (8 goals, 3 assists) underlines Kylian Mbappe’s attacking genius at this World Cup. He took a knock to the ankle against Morocco in the Quarterfinals, but he is expected to be fit and firing for this clash with Spain. His pace and ruthlessness will be key to unlocking La Roja’s watertight defence.
Spain – Mikel Merino
After scoring the winning goals in both the Round of 16 and Quarterfinals against Portugal and Belgium respectively – and both late on – Mikel Merino has established a reputation as a player who can deliver in the crucial moments. Will it be three in a row when he comes up against France?
Head-to-head
France and Spain have met in 38 previous matches, with La Roja claiming 18 wins compared to 13 for Les Bleus, while seven games have been drawn. They have met once before in the World Cup, with France winning 3-1 in a Round of 16 clash in 2006. The teams’ most recent meeting was an absolute thriller, with Spain winning 5-4 in the semifinals of the UEFA Nations League in Stuttgart in June 2025.
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