France take on Spain in a battle of European heavyweights as the two nations clash in the first of the World Cup 2026 semi-finals tonight.
Didier Deschamps’ side have arguably been the best team in the tournament so far having mesmerised with their attacking play, and the incredible talents of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise while Spain have been defensively strong conceding only one goal throughout their campaign.
The European champions are looking to win back-to-back major tournaments and have previous success against France to draw upon having defeated Les Bleus in a thrilling Euro 2024 semi-final two years ago.
Last time out, Mbappe scored during France’s routine 2-0 win over Morocco, while Spain defeated Belgium thanks to a late Mikel Merino goal to set up what head coach Luis de la Fuente described as the “final before the final”.
Follow all the action from the World Cup semi-final with our live blog below:
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The final before the final
Both these teams have a greater chance of winning the World Cup than either England or Argentina according to Opta.
That means the most likely champion should be whichever team triumphs over the other in tonight’s clash.
France and Spain have taken different routes to get to the final four with La Roja building their success on a solid defensive foundation, while Les Bleus having made use of their star-studded attack.
This match has been billed as a final before the final but which team will come out on top?
Spain’s early team news
Spain also have no suspensions and were boosted by Nico Williams returning to the pitch for the closing stages of their late win over Belgium.
Mikel Merino is likely to keep his super-sub role, despite scoring winners off the bench in the last-16 and quarter-finals, while Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo could continue alongside Rodri in midfield, leaving Pedri on the bench.
Predicted Spain XI: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal
France’s early team news
Kylian Mbappe was removed towards the end of France’s 2-0 win over Morocco but confirmed afterwards that he was not injured. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has missed France’s last two matches, with Manu Kone replacing him.
Kone was also removed towards the end of the win against Morocco but should be fit to start.
Elsewhere, whether to start Bradley Barcola or Desire Doue on the left is the only other selection choice facing Didier Deschamps.
Predicted France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe
When is France v Spain and how to watch?
The World Cup semi-final will kick off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 14 July at the Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas.
It will be shown live on ITV 1 and STV 1 in the UK, as well as ITV X. Coverage starts from 7pm BST.
France v Spain
France and Spain meet in a blockbuster World Cup 2026 semi-final and in a clash of the two best teams at the tournament so far.
Spain defeated France in a thrilling Euro 2024 semi-final two years ago, which saw Lamine Yamal become the youngest goalscorer in European Championship history. Yamal, who turned 19 on Monday, is yet to truly arrive at the tournament but the Barcelona star may yet have a decisive say.
Real Madrid’s Mbappe, meanwhile, continues his quest for a third consecutive World Cup final and second title. The captain of the 2022 World Cup runners-up has scored eight goals to sit top of the Golden Boot race with Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who faces England in the other semi-final on Wednesday.
Good afternoon!
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s first World Cup 2026 semi-final as France take on Spain.
It’s a clash of European heavyweights with the winner booking their spot in New York for Sunday’s final where they will face either England or Argentina.
France have been the tournaments great entertainers but Spain have been defensively solid, letting in just one goal from six games, and that clash of styles could be crucial in deciding who goes through.
We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates from the semi-final in Dallas so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm BST.
