FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final | Tuesday, 14 July | 21:00 Malta time | Dallas Stadium
France and Spain will contest the first FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final on Tuesday night, with two of Europe’s strongest national teams meeting at Dallas Stadium for a place in Sunday’s showpiece.
France arrive with the opportunity to reach a third successive World Cup final. Didier Deschamps’ side have moved through the knockout phase without conceding, eliminating Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco while their star-studded attack has continued to produce at the decisive end of the tournament.
Les Bleus sont à Dallas ! 🛬 pic.twitter.com/3D3bu1yfEw
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) July 13, 2026
Spain, meanwhile, are appearing in their first World Cup semi-final since lifting the trophy in 2010. Luis de la Fuente’s side defeated Austria 3-0 in the round of 32 before navigating tighter contests against Portugal and Belgium, with Mikel Merino delivering late winning goals in both matches.
The semi-final also renews a growing rivalry between the two nations. Spain defeated France in the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2024 and again in the UEFA Nations League, giving Les Bleus an additional incentive as they pursue another global final.
Team news
Kylian Mbappé is expected to be available after being withdrawn during France’s quarter-final win over Morocco with a minor ankle problem. Midfielder Manu Koné was also taken off as a precaution, while Aurélien Tchouaméni has returned to team training after missing the previous round with a thigh injury.
William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano were managed separately during the weekend, although neither absence was reported as a serious setback. Deschamps must also decide whether Désiré Doué or Bradley Barcola starts alongside Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise in a formidable forward line.
Spain have Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino available again following injury interruptions during the tournament. Lamine Yamal remains central to their attacking plans, while Merino’s decisive contributions give De la Fuente another major selection consideration in midfield.
Key battle
The contest may be shaped by Spain’s ability to control possession against France’s speed in transition. Rodri, Pedri and Spain’s other midfield options will look to dictate the rhythm, but turnovers could immediately expose them to Mbappé, Dembélé and Olise.
Spain have conceded only once at the tournament, yet France possess the most varied attack they have faced. At the opposite end, France will need to limit Yamal’s influence and prevent Spain from pinning their full-backs deep for sustained periods.
Prediction
This has the ingredients of a close semi-final despite the attacking quality on display. Spain are capable of controlling long passages, but France’s greater pace and variety in the final third may prove decisive once the game begins to open up.
Prediction: France 2-1 Spain.
