France and Spain renew one of European football’s fiercest rivalries in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, with a place in the final on the line at Dallas Stadium.
Les Bleus have been one of the standout teams of the tournament, winning all three group-stage matches before eliminating Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco to reach the last four.
Spain, meanwhile, recovered from a slow start after a goalless draw against Cabo Verde to top their group before knocking out Austria, Portugal and Belgium.
Didier Deschamps’ men are chasing history as they aim to become only the second European nation to reach three consecutive FIFA World Cup finals after West Germany.
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France have looked dominant at both ends of the pitch, scoring 13 goals while conceding just twice, and they have yet to concede a goal in the knockout rounds.
Spain have steadily grown into the tournament after their opening draw, producing composed performances to defeat Saudi Arabia and Uruguay before overcoming Austria, Portugal and Belgium to book a place in the semi-finals.
Luis de la Fuente’s side have built their success around midfield control, with Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo dictating possession, while teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have offered pace and unpredictability in wide areas.
Spain have also impressed defensively, conceding just once in the tournament, with Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi anchoring the backline in front of goalkeeper Unai Simon.
Betway
What time does France vs Spain start?
Kick-off is scheduled for 10PM E.A.T at the Dallas Stadium
France vs Spain team news
France have no major injury concerns heading into the semi-final and are expected to retain the core of the side that comfortably defeated Morocco in the quarterfinals.
Mike Maignan should continue in goal behind the defensive pairing of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano, with Jules Kounde and Lucas Digne expected to occupy the full-back positions.
Adrien Rabiot and Manu Kone are likely to anchor midfield, allowing Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue to support Kylian Mbappe in attack.
Spain are also expected to field a near full-strength squad after progressing past Belgium.
Unai Simon is set to start in goal behind a defence featuring Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella.
Rodri and Pedri should once again control midfield, while Dani Olmo operates behind captain Mikel Oyarzabal. Lamine Yamal is expected to start on the right wing, with Alex Baena providing balance on the opposite flank.
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France vs Spain head-to-head and current form
Despite both nations being regulars on football’s biggest stage, this will be only their second FIFA World Cup meeting. Their only previous encounter came in the Round of 16 at the 2006 World Cup, where France came from behind to claim a memorable 3-1 victory.
Spain, however, have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings, defeating France in both the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-final and the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League semi-final.
France enter the contest in outstanding form, winning all five matches at the tournament while scoring 13 goals and conceding only twice. Their attacking firepower and defensive solidity have made them one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
Spain are also unbeaten since their opening draw, combining their trademark possession-based football with clinical finishing in the knockout rounds. Their disciplined defence and ability to control matches through midfield have been key factors behind their impressive run.
Current form:
France – WWWWW
Spain – WWWWW
Betway
France vs Spain prediction
This semi-final has all the ingredients of a classic encounter between two of Europe’s football powerhouses. France possesses devastating pace in transition and arguably the tournament’s most dangerous attack, while Spain’s technical quality and midfield dominance allow them to dictate the rhythm of matches.
The battle between France’s explosive front line and Spain’s composed defensive structure could ultimately determine the outcome. With both teams in exceptional form, fine margins are expected to separate them.
Prediction – Over 2.5 goals
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