Two of the tournament favourites meet in Dallas on Tuesday, with a place in the final at stake and a familiar recent history between them. France chase a third consecutive World Cup final, a feat only Germany and Brazil have managed. Spain, the reigning European champions, are into their first World Cup semi-final since winning the trophy in 2010.
France have won all six matches this summer, scoring 16 goals on the way past Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco. Mbappe missed a first-half penalty against the Atlas Lions before scoring the opener and setting up Dembele to settle it. Deschamps, in his final tournament, has loosened his usual caution and let a front four of Mbappe, Dembele, Olise and Doue do the damage.
Spain arrive unbeaten in 37 matches across all competitions, a run that borders on the absurd. Mikel Merino has become their knockout specialist, scoring the winner off the bench against both Portugal and Belgium, the latter ending Unai Simon's streak of six World Cup clean sheets in reverse. De la Fuente has won 12 of his 13 tournament matches in charge.
France vs Spain: Key Stats
Spain have won 7 of the last 10 meetings, including Euro 2024 and the 2025 Nations League final
France won their only previous World Cup meeting, 3-1 twenty years ago
Spain are unbeaten in 37 consecutive matches in all competitions
France have scored in 15 straight matches and 2+ in their last 9 World Cup games
France have won their last 3 World Cup semi-finals without conceding
Photo Credit (Getty Images)
What to Expect
This is a meeting of the two most in-form sides left in the tournament, and recent history leans Spanish. La Roja beat France 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semi-final and 5-4 in last year's Nations League final, with Yamal decisive in both. Their defence has been outstanding, five clean sheets in their last five away matches, while their attack averages 2.67 goals a game.
France counter with the most dangerous forward line at the tournament. Mbappe and Dembele have created 19 chances for each other this summer, and Olise adds a third elite option. Deschamps has history on his side too, having won each of his last three World Cup semi-finals without conceding.
The midfield battle may decide it. Rodri anchors Spain with the composure that makes them so hard to beat, while France will rely on Kone or a returning Tchouameni alongside Rabiot to disrupt Spain's rhythm. Whoever controls that zone controls the tempo of a tie that has every chance of going the distance.
Predicted Lineups
France (4-2-3-1)
Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe
Spain (4-3-3)
Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal
Players to Watch
Kylian Mbappe - Leads the Golden Boot race on eight goals and has consistently produced in the biggest moments. His pace against Spain's high line is France's most obvious route to a goal, and his link with Dembele is the most productive relationship at the tournament.
Lamine Yamal - Has yet to hit his Euro 2024 heights here, but he scored twice against France in that semi-final and remains their most feared attacker. Digne and the French left side will have to be alert for the full 90 minutes.
Mikel Merino - Has scored the winner off the bench in two straight knockout ties, a World Cup first. Whether he starts or waits, his late-game threat gives De la Fuente an option no other side can match.
Rodri - The metronome of everything Spain do, dictating tempo and shielding the defence. If France cannot get close to him, Spain will control long stretches of the game.
Prediction
Prediction: Both teams to score @ 1.71
Two elite attacks meet two strong but not impenetrable defences, and recent meetings between these sides have produced goals at both ends. France have scored in 15 consecutive matches, while Spain average close to three a game and have Yamal, Oyarzabal and Merino to call on. A tight, high-quality contest is likely, but a goalless one is not.
Spain's recent edge in these fixtures and their remarkable unbeaten run make them narrow favourites, though France's front line can hurt anyone. The most probable outcome is a close semi-final in which both teams find the net, with the tie potentially settled late or in extra time. Either way, expect goals in Dallas.