France vs Spain: 2026 World Cup Semi-Final Preview, Team News & Line-ups
AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas will host a major 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final match on Tuesday, featuring two football heavyweights: France and Spain. Les Bleus aim to become only the third team ever to reach three straight World Cup finals. They arrive as favorites after winning all six of their matches in regular time.
Ousmane Dembele and top scorer Kylian Mbappe each scored as Didier Deschamps' team beat Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals, setting up this high-stakes showdown. On the other side, Spain edged past Belgium with an 88th-minute winner from substitute Mikel Merino, clinching a 2-1 victory. Luis de la Fuente’s side is just 90 minutes away from their first World Cup final since their 2010 triumph.
A Dominant French Run
France’s path through the tournament has been impressive. They won all three group stage games with a combined score of 10-2 and have kept clean sheets in every knockout match so far. The only team to limit them to a single goal was Paraguay. With 16 goals scored, they lead the tournament in scoring, half of those thanks to Mbappe. But despite their strong form, the challenge posed by Spain is daunting.
The history between these teams adds to the drama. France has lost eight of their last ten encounters against Spain. This match also marks a milestone for Deschamps, who will coach his 26th World Cup game, making him the most experienced in the tournament’s history.
Spain's Resurgence
Since winning the World Cup in 2010, Spain struggled in knockout rounds until their recent 3-0 win over Austria. De la Fuente, fresh off a European Championship win in 2024, has reinvigorated the team. Their defense, conceding only once in six World Cup games under his guidance, remains solid. Spain has avoided defeat in normal time in their last 36 international matches, showing resilience heading into this semi-final.
They’ve reached just their second World Cup semi-final since 2010 and bring promising stats: advancing from six of their last seven major tournament semi-finals. Attention will be on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal from Barcelona, who hasn’t yet hit peak form in North America but could turn the tide with a decisive play.
Team News and Line-ups
Mbappe left the Morocco match early, causing concern for France, but he should start. Spain has a full squad available, including Pedri, who appeared tired late in the quarter-final but remains fit.
Prediction
Spain is one win away from matching Argentina’s record unbeaten streak in regulation time, but France appears nearly unstoppable right now. While it won't be easy, the depth and talent across the French lineup make them likely to secure another World Cup final appearance.
