Preview: France vs Spain | Latest news, line-ups, absences (14/07/2026)
Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch France vs Spain in the World Cup semi-finals
France and Spain will meet on Tuesday night in a blockbuster World Cup semi-final at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with a place in the final on the line.
Didier Deschamps‘ side continued their march through the tournament by beating Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring before Ousmane Dembélé sealed the victory, and France rarely looked in serious danger as they booked another appearance in the last four.
Spain also survived a stern test in the quarter-finals, edging Belgium 2-1. Fabián Ruiz gave Luis de la Fuente’s team the lead, Charles De Ketelaere equalised for Belgium, but Mikel Merino struck late to send La Roja into the semi-finals and maintain their status as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
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France have progressed throughout the knockout stage with very little trouble. After eliminating Sweden and Paraguay in the Round of 16, they produced another controlled performance against Morocco and have now conceded just once in their last four matches. Mbappé and Dembélé are both in excellent form, as is Michael Olise, while Manu Koné and Adrien Rabiot have given France tremendous balance and athleticism in midfield.
Spain remain unbeaten and continue to impress with their possession game and attacking variety. Their victory over Belgium showed another side to the team: patience and resilience when matches become tight. Rodri has been outstanding in midfield, while Lamine Yamal is gradually growing into the tournament at the right time.
France
Deschamps is expected to stick with the side that defeated Morocco. Mike Maignan should continue in goal behind the experienced central pairing of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano. Jules Koundé and Lucas Digne provide width from full-back, while Dembélé and Mbappé will be supported by the superb Olise. France have no major new injury concerns ahead of the semi-final.
Spain
De la Fuente is also unlikely to make many changes after the dramatic win over Belgium. Unai Simón appears set to start in goal but, at right back, there is a decision to be made between Pedro Porro, who has been superb offensively, and Marcos Llorente who has the engine to hassle either Desire Doue or Bradley Barcola. On the left side of attack, Alex Baena will compete with Nico Williams for a starting spot. Pedri was a surprise omission against Belgium and his replacement, Fabian Ruiz, scored the opening goal, leaving De la Fuente with another selection headache.
Teams H2H: Head-to-head stats
France and Spain have developed a fascinating modern rivalry of late, with enthralling recent meetings across Nations League and European Championship fixtures.
Spain won the most recent competitive encounter in a 5-4 epic in the Nations League, but it’s the 2-1 Euro 2024 semi final win for La Roja that remains a source of major bragging rights for De la Fuente’s men, and a source of motivation for revenge on behalf of the French team.
Recent meetings:
- 05/06/2025: Spain 5-4 France (UEFA Nations League)
- 09/07/2024: Spain 2-1 France (UEFA European Championship)
- 10/10/2021: Spain 1-2 France (UEFA Nations League)
- 28/03/2017: France 0-2 Spain (International friendly)
- 04/09/2014: France 1-0 Spain (International friendly)
Predicted line-ups
France are expected to stick to the side that eliminated Morocco, while Spain have a few big decisions to make after the narrow win over Belgium.
Tactical analysis: France’s pace against Spain’s control
This semi-final sets up a fascinating clash of styles. Spain will look to dominate possession through Rodri and Pedri, patiently moving France around before releasing Yamal and Williams into dangerous areas.
France are comfortable without the ball and may welcome a more transitional game. Mbappé remains devastating when attacking space behind a defence, while Dembélé’s direct running and flexibility can quickly turn defence into attack. Deschamps will likely encourage his side to stay compact and break at speed whenever Spain lose possession, given their pace on the flanks.
The midfield battle could decide everything. If Rodri is allowed to dictate the tempo, Spain should control long stretches of the match. However, it won’t be easy against Koné and Rabiot who, despite not being the easiest on the eye in possession, have been incredibly reliable in the centre of the pitch.
Key players to watch
Kylian Mbappé (France)
Mbappé delivered again against Morocco and continues to be France’s most dangerous player. He is top of the World Cup Golden Boot race, with eight goals along with Lionel Messi, and is hungry for more against a side that have caused him heartache in the recent past. It seems predictable and obvious but Mbappé to score anytime vs Spain is simply the no-nonsense pick according to World Cup betting predictions.
Rodri (Spain)
Rodri has been the foundation of Spain’s run to the semi-finals. He controls possession, protects the defence and dictates the rhythm of matches better than almost any midfielder in world football. He was lucky to not have a penalty called against him against Belgium and is one known for taking one for the team, so with yellow cards wiped out after the quarter final stage, the Manchester City man could sacrifice a booking to prevent a counter-attack. Rodri to be shown a card vs France is a reasonable bet against a full-throttle attack.
Where to watch France vs Spain in the UK and Ireland
France vs Spain kicks off at 20:00 BST on Tuesday, July 14 at AT&T Stadium (Dallas Stadium) in Arlington, Texas.
In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on ITV, with streaming available on ITVX.
In the Republic of Ireland, the match will be available live through RTÉ and RTÉ Player.
France vs Spain prediction and betting tips
The latest France vs Spain betting odds place this tie as one of the closest of the tournament so far, and its understandable why. Current markets imply roughly a 38% chance of a Spain win inside 90 minutes, compared with around 34% for France, while the draw is priced near 28%.
Spain have been consistent and solid – the goal by Belgium was the first they conceded this World Cup – but they have not entered their usual free-flowing rhythm seen in previous years. France, however, have reached the final four without yet getting out of third gear, making them a fearsome proposition for any side in the world.
Expect a tense, high-quality encounter, but one that is decided by one goal – and it’s hard to see beyond a French win with Mbappé firing on all cylinders.
