What Is the Prediction for France vs Spain? World Cup 2026

France’s Defensive Control and Elite Firepower Could End Spain’s Unbeaten Run

Our France vs Spain prediction is France 2-0 Spain, with Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé expected to provide the decisive attacking moments. Spain may control more possession and spend long periods moving the ball around the French defensive shape, but France look better equipped for the demands of a World Cup semi-final. Didier Deschamps’ side have not conceded during the knockout rounds, dominated Morocco in their quarter-final and possess the pace to punish Spain whenever their full-backs and midfielders move too far forward. Spain are technically outstanding and have already beaten France twice during the current cycle, but France’s experience, defensive discipline and greater direct threat give them the advantage in Dallas.

 

France vs Spain takes place on Tuesday 14 July 2026, with the World Cup semi-final scheduled to kick off at 8pm UK time. The match will be played at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the tournament name being used for AT&T Stadium. The UK television channel had not been officially confirmed at the time of writing, although World Cup matches are being shared between the BBC and ITV. Supporters should check the final television listings before kick-off.

 

This is a meeting between two of the most complete international sides in the world. France are attempting to reach a third consecutive World Cup final after winning the competition in 2018 and finishing as runners-up in 2022. Spain are appearing in their first World Cup semi-final since lifting the trophy in 2010 and arrive as European champions with a 37-match unbeaten run in competitive football.

 

Spain’s record demands respect, but the quarter-finals revealed why France receive our vote. Les Bleus controlled Morocco almost completely, recording 21 attempts and allowing only one shot on target during a composed 2-0 victory. Spain were pushed much harder by Belgium, conceded for the first time at the tournament and needed an 88th-minute goal from Mikel Merino after substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled the ball.

 

The contrast does not mean Spain played badly or that France are guaranteed to win. Spain showed resilience and patience under pressure, while France still needed an hour to break down Morocco after Mbappé missed a first-half penalty. It does suggest that France enter the semi-final with a defensive structure capable of frustrating Spain and an attack capable of converting fewer opportunities.

 

France versus Spain is unlikely to be decided by possession alone. Spain may complete more passes, spend more time in the French half and produce the smoother football. France will be satisfied if most of that possession remains outside the most dangerous areas. They have repeatedly demonstrated that a team can surrender the ball without surrendering control of the match.

 

France vs Spain World Cup 2026 Match Details

 

The 8pm France vs Spain kick-off time is convenient for viewers in the UK, particularly compared with some of the tournament’s later matches. The local afternoon start in Texas could have raised concerns about heat, but Dallas Stadium has a retractable roof and climate-control systems that should provide more manageable conditions than an open-air venue.

 

Those controlled conditions should allow both sides to play at a high technical level. Spain will want a quick surface for short combinations and switches of play, while France will welcome a pitch that allows Mbappé and Dembélé to accelerate without the ball slowing beneath them. Fatigue may still influence the second half, but the venue should reduce the impact of the outside temperature.

 

Our France vs Spain Prediction

We are predicting France 2-0 Spain. The score may appear confident given Spain’s unbeaten record and recent success against France, but it reflects how this particular semi-final could unfold rather than suggesting there is a large difference in quality between the teams. Spain can play well, dominate possession and still lose if France control the penalty area and take their best counterattacking opportunities.

 

The first half could be cautious. Spain are likely to establish possession, with their centre-backs and midfielders circulating the ball while France remain compact. Deschamps will not want his side pressing recklessly because Spain possess the technical ability to play through an uncoordinated press. France may instead defend in a medium block, protect the central spaces and wait for Spain to take a risk.

 

Mbappé is the player most likely to punish that risk. Spain’s full-backs contribute heavily in possession, and their midfielders frequently move ahead of the ball to support attacks. If France recover possession while those players are advanced, one direct pass could release Mbappé into the channel between the right-back and centre-back.

 

Dembélé provides the second major threat. He has scored five goals during the tournament and looked confident when finishing France’s second against Morocco. Spain cannot simply assign two defenders to Mbappé because doing so creates more room on the opposite side, where Dembélé can attack an isolated full-back or move centrally into shooting positions.

 

Our predicted clean sheet is based on France’s knockout performances rather than an assumption that Spain lack attacking quality. France have protected the centre of the pitch extremely well, limited opponents to low-value opportunities and avoided the type of defensive mistakes that can change a tight match. Spain may generate attempts, but turning possession into clear chances against a settled French defence will be difficult.

 

A possible pattern is France scoring late in the first half or shortly after the break, forcing Spain to become more aggressive. That would create additional space for a second goal as Spain commit more players forward. France are particularly dangerous when protecting a lead because opponents must attack them while remaining aware that Mbappé can exploit almost any gap left behind.

 

France Produced a Complete Quarter-Final Performance

France reached the semi-final by beating Morocco 2-0 at Boston Stadium in Foxborough. Mbappé recovered from a missed first-half penalty to open the scoring in the 60th minute, before Dembélé added a second six minutes later. The scoreline matched France’s control of the match and could have been wider given the volume of opportunities they created.

 

Les Bleus recorded 21 attempts compared with Morocco’s four and placed eight efforts on target while allowing only one. France were already the more active attacking side before the interval, creating 13 attempts during the first half. Morocco defended with commitment but rarely managed to carry a sustained threat towards Mike Maignan’s goal.

 

Mbappé’s missed penalty could have changed the emotional direction of the match. Noussair Mazraoui brought him down inside the area and the French captain was forced to wait through a long video review before taking the kick. Yassine Bounou guessed correctly and saved the attempt, yet Mbappé did not allow the miss to remove him from the contest.

 

His response was one of the strongest arguments in favour of France against Spain. Mbappé continued making runs, demanding possession and testing Morocco’s defensive line. He eventually scored his 20th World Cup goal in his 20th appearance, moving to within one of Lionel Messi’s total and strengthening his place among the competition’s greatest forwards.

 

The second goal showed how much influence Mbappé can have without taking the final shot. He received the ball, returned it to Dembélé and continued his run through the centre. Morocco’s defenders followed the movement, creating the room Dembélé needed to finish. Mbappé’s acceleration altered the entire defensive shape even though he did not receive the ball again.

 

Dembélé’s fifth goal of the tournament also underlined the balance within France’s attack. Opponents naturally build their defensive plans around Mbappé, but concentrating too heavily on the left side can leave Dembélé with space on the right. France are capable of switching the point of attack before a defence has time to recover.

 

The defensive performance was equally important. Morocco had one shot on target and rarely found space between the French midfield and back line. France protected the middle, forced attacks towards less dangerous areas and dealt calmly with crosses. Maignan remained alert without being placed under sustained pressure.

 

Spain will ask far more difficult questions than Morocco, but France’s shape appears ready for the challenge. Their midfielders understand when to press and when to hold position, while the defenders are comfortable protecting the penalty area for extended periods. This is a team built for knockout football rather than a side dependent on overwhelming every opponent with the ball.

 

Spain Survived a Difficult Test Against Belgium

Spain reached the World Cup semi-final with a 2-1 victory over Belgium at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring in the 30th minute after Thibaut Courtois pushed Dani Olmo’s shot into his path, but Charles De Ketelaere headed Belgium level shortly before half-time.

 

The goal was the first Spain had conceded during the tournament. It also exposed an area France may attempt to target. Belgium moved the ball into a crossing position before De Ketelaere found space to attack the delivery, showing that Spain can become vulnerable when an opponent escapes their first line of pressure and delivers before the defence becomes organised.

 

Spain responded with patience rather than panic. They continued to dominate possession, moved Belgium from side to side and resisted the temptation to force every attack through a crowded centre. Their winning goal arrived in the 88th minute when substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled the ball and Merino reacted quickly to finish the rebound.

 

There was good anticipation in Merino’s movement, but Spain also benefited from Courtois being forced off through injury. Lammens had entered the match in difficult circumstances and failed to hold the initial effort. France are unlikely to offer Spain the same type of mistake, particularly if Maignan maintains the secure handling he has shown throughout the knockout rounds.

 

The victory extended Spain’s competitive unbeaten sequence to 37 matches and demonstrated their ability to keep playing when a match becomes uncomfortable. De la Fuente’s side did not abandon their identity after conceding. They continued trusting their structure and eventually found a way through.

 

However, the quarter-final also showed that Spain can be drawn into a tight, physical match in which their possession does not immediately produce clear chances. Belgium remained competitive until the final minutes and created moments of danger despite spending less time on the ball. France have greater counterattacking pace and stronger tournament experience than Belgium.

 

Spain now face the challenge of recovering physically after a demanding contest. France also played their quarter-final a day earlier, giving them slightly more preparation time. One day is unlikely to decide the semi-final by itself, but it could matter during the final half-hour if Spain are forced to chase the game.

 

Why France Can Win Without Dominating Possession

Possession will be one of the most discussed statistics during France vs Spain, but it may be one of the least useful when predicting the winner. Spain are expected to have more of the ball because their entire structure is designed around creating short passing options. France do not need to prevent that. They need to control where Spain possess it.

 

Deschamps’ side will be comfortable seeing Spain pass between the centre-backs, full-backs and deepest midfielder. The danger begins when Yamal, Olmo, Pedri or Williams receive between the lines with enough time to turn. France’s central midfield must prevent those clean receptions and force Spain to play around the defensive block rather than through it.

 

That approach requires patience from the French forwards. Mbappé and Dembélé cannot chase every pass because Spain are capable of playing around isolated pressure. They must instead position themselves to block obvious routes into midfield while remaining ready to sprint forward after a turnover.

 

France’s ability to attack directly gives them an important advantage. Spain often need several passes to move from defence into the final third, while France can create a chance with two or three actions. A defender wins the ball, a midfielder plays forward and Mbappé is suddenly running towards goal.

 

The difference between possession and threat becomes especially important after France take the lead. Spain may increase their share of the ball, but they will also need to place more players ahead of it. Every additional attacking player creates another potential gap behind the first counter-press.

 

France are one of the best teams in the world at managing those situations. They can defend close to their own penalty area without becoming frantic, clear the initial danger and then release their forwards quickly. Spain may feel they are building momentum immediately before France create the clearest opportunity of the match.

 

The Tactical Battle That Could Decide France v Spain

The main tactical battle will centre on Spain’s right side, where Yamal attacks for Spain and Mbappé is likely to operate for France. Both players prefer to begin wide before moving towards the centre, which creates a difficult decision for the full-backs and supporting midfielders on each side.

 

Spain will want their right-back to overlap or move inside to support Yamal. That movement can create a two-against-one attack, but it also leaves space behind for Mbappé. Spain must decide whether the potential attacking advantage is worth the risk of allowing France’s captain to receive in transition.

 

One option is for a midfielder to cover the right-back whenever he advances. That provides some protection, although Mbappé may then move inside and attack the space vacated in midfield. France can also switch the ball towards Dembélé if Spain move too many players across.

 

Yamal will still pose a serious challenge at the other end. He scored in Spain’s Euro 2024 semi-final victory over France and struck twice during the 5-4 Nations League win in 2025. France know he wants to move onto his left foot, but blocking that route completely is difficult because he can accelerate outside or combine with an overlapping teammate.

 

The French left-back will need support rather than being asked to defend Yamal alone. A midfielder or winger can narrow towards the touchline when Spain switch the ball, preventing Yamal from receiving with enough room to attack directly. France must perform that rotation without leaving Olmo or Ruiz unmarked around the edge of the penalty area.

 

Spain’s midfield movement creates another problem. Their players rarely remain in fixed positions, with one dropping towards the defenders while another moves between the lines. France should avoid following every movement because that would pull their shape apart. Passing runners between defenders and midfielders will require constant communication.

 

Set pieces may also favour France. Spain are technically excellent but France possess more height, strength and aerial presence across the side. Corners and wide free kicks could create opportunities even if Spain restrict Mbappé during open play. A centre-back attacking the first contact or a midfielder reacting to the second ball may provide the breakthrough.

 

How France Can Keep Spain Quiet

France do not need to stop every Spanish attack before it begins. Attempting to press Spain continuously would consume energy and create unnecessary gaps. Their priority should be controlling central spaces, defending the penalty area and ensuring Spain’s best players receive the ball in less dangerous positions.

 

Yamal is more manageable when receiving close to the touchline with his back to goal than when collecting the ball in the inside-right channel. France should guide Spain towards the outside, delay the winger and allow supporting defenders to arrive. Diving into an early challenge would give Yamal the opportunity to turn and accelerate.

 

Williams presents a different threat on the opposite side. He is more direct and may attempt to attack the space behind the full-back immediately. France’s right side must remain balanced, particularly when Dembélé stays high in anticipation of a counterattack.

 

Olmo and Ruiz are dangerous when arriving around the penalty area after the defence has focused on the wide players. France’s midfielders must track those late runs rather than watching the ball. Spain’s opening goal against Belgium came because Ruiz continued into the box and reacted first to Courtois’ save.

 

Maignan’s handling could prevent similar second-ball opportunities. Spain followed shots aggressively against Belgium and scored both goals after the goalkeeper failed to secure the initial effort. The French goalkeeper must either catch cleanly or push the ball towards a safe area rather than returning it into the centre.

 

The French defenders should also avoid conceding unnecessary fouls near the penalty area. Spain possess several accurate set-piece takers and may struggle to create better opportunities through open play. Giving them repeated free kicks would allow them to attack without first breaking through the French structure.

 

How Spain Could Disrupt the France 2-0 Prediction

Spain are fully capable of proving this prediction wrong. Their recent record against France is excellent, and they have already defeated Deschamps’ side in two major semi-finals during the current generation. They also possess more than enough individual quality to score against any defence.

 

The clearest route is to move the ball quickly enough that France cannot settle into their defensive block. Slow possession will suit France because it gives every player time to recover. Spain need sudden switches, third-player runs and disguised passes that force defenders to turn towards their own goal.

 

Yamal and Williams must receive against isolated defenders rather than two-player traps. Spain can create those situations by drawing France towards one side before switching the ball quickly to the other. The accuracy and speed of the switch will determine whether the winger receives with room to attack.

 

Spain should also test Maignan from distance and follow every shot. France have defended the penalty area well, so waiting indefinitely for a perfect opening may lead to sterile possession. Efforts from Olmo, Ruiz or Yamal could create rebounds, deflections or corners even when the original shot is saved.

 

Another option is to vary the position of the central forward. Dropping towards midfield could draw a French centre-back away from the defensive line, opening a route for a winger or midfielder to run beyond. France will prefer defending an obvious striker who remains directly in front of them.

 

Spain must be nearly flawless after losing the ball. Their counter-press should either recover possession immediately or force France to play backwards. Allowing a French midfielder to receive, turn and look forward gives Mbappé enough time to begin his run.

 

Scoring first would completely change the outlook. France are comfortable protecting a lead, but they are less comfortable when forced to attack a team controlling possession. An early Spanish goal would allow de la Fuente’s side to dictate the tempo and make France take greater risks.

 

Why France Receive the Vote Despite Spain’s Recent Record

Spain have won the previous two meetings between these teams. They beat France 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semi-final and survived a dramatic comeback to win 5-4 in the 2025 Nations League semi-final. Those results explain why many will back Spain in Dallas.

 

The Euro 2024 meeting was particularly impressive. France took the lead through Randal Kolo Muani, but Yamal equalised with a brilliant long-range strike before Olmo scored the winner. Spain then controlled enough of the remaining match to reach the final.

 

The Nations League encounter was very different. Spain built a large advantage before France scored repeatedly during the closing stages. The 5-4 score highlighted the attacking quality of both sides but also demonstrated that Spain can lose control when France increase the tempo and attack more directly.

 

France appear more settled defensively at this World Cup than they did in either of those matches. Their knockout clean sheets suggest the distances between midfield and defence have improved, while Maignan has provided security behind the back line. Spain will be facing a more controlled version of France.

 

Tournament context matters as well. A World Cup semi-final is not simply another meeting in a developing rivalry. France have extensive experience of reaching and winning these matches. Several members of the squad understand how to manage the tension, conserve energy and remain patient when the football is not flowing.

 

Spain’s unbeaten run is outstanding, but every sequence eventually ends. The Belgium quarter-final showed that they can be troubled by an opponent willing to defend, compete physically and attack quickly. France offer all of those qualities at a higher level.

 

France vs Spain Head-to-Head Record

The France vs Spain head-to-head record favours Spain overall. Before the World Cup 2026 semi-final, the countries had met 38 times across competitive fixtures and friendlies. Spain recorded 18 victories, France won 13 and seven games finished level.

 

 

The countries’ only previous World Cup meeting came in the 2006 round of 16. Spain took the lead through David Villa, but France responded through Franck Ribéry, Patrick Vieira and Zinedine Zidane to win 3-1. France continued to the final before losing to Italy on penalties.

 

That match offers an interesting historical parallel. Spain entered with an exciting technical side and produced periods of attractive football, but France possessed the experience and individual quality to manage the knockout occasion. The current teams are completely different, although the broader contrast between Spanish possession and French tournament control remains familiar.

 

Spain’s overall advantage in the head-to-head record should not be ignored, but many meetings took place in circumstances that have little relevance to Dallas. The recent matches offer better tactical evidence, while the quarter-finals provide the clearest indication of current form.

 

The Players Most Likely to Decide France Versus Spain

Mbappé remains the central figure. His goal against Morocco took him to 20 World Cup goals in 20 appearances, an extraordinary return built across three tournaments. He is now one behind Messi’s total and continues to move towards the leading scorers in the competition’s history.

 

His threat extends beyond finishing. Mbappé forces defenders to retreat, prevents full-backs from attacking freely and creates space for teammates through his movement. Spain may alter their entire right-sided structure simply to reduce the number of transitions he receives.

 

Dembélé is equally important to the predicted 2-0 score. His five tournament goals have made France less dependent on Mbappé and give Deschamps a genuine match-winner on the opposite side. He can punish Spain if they shift too much defensive cover towards their right.

 

Maignan may need to make more saves than he did against Morocco. Spain are capable of producing pressure even when clear chances are limited, and their midfielders will follow shots looking for rebounds. His handling and distribution could both influence the result.

 

Yamal is Spain’s most dangerous creator. He has scored three goals across his previous two matches against France and understands how to find space against their defensive shape. His ability to cut inside, shoot from distance or release an overlapping teammate means France cannot defend him with one simple instruction.

 

Ruiz provides another threat. His quarter-final goal came from reacting to a save and arriving in a position Belgium failed to protect. France must track his movement when the ball enters the penalty area rather than focusing exclusively on Spain’s forwards.

 

Merino is likely to influence the second half whether or not he starts. He has scored two late winners during the knockout rounds and offers Spain additional height and physicality. France’s defenders must remain alert if he enters while Spain are chasing the match.

 

Should Mbappé Win the Ballon d’Or if France Win the World Cup?

A France World Cup victory would make Mbappé one of the strongest Ballon d’Or candidates. Winning the tournament would not automatically guarantee the award because club performances and the achievements of other players still matter, but captaining France to another world title would carry enormous weight.

 

Mbappé’s individual case is already compelling. He has scored eight goals at the tournament, reached 20 World Cup goals in only 20 appearances and delivered during the knockout rounds. His response to the missed penalty against Morocco also demonstrated the mentality expected from a leading candidate.

 

A decisive performance against Spain would strengthen the argument further. This is the type of match voters remember: a World Cup semi-final against the European champions, featuring several of the best players in the world. A goal or assist followed by another major contribution in the final could define the tournament.

 

The award should still be judged across the full season rather than one month. Other players may have stronger club records or more trophies. Mbappé would nevertheless possess the most powerful individual story if he captained France to the trophy while challenging historic World Cup scoring records.

 

 

France and Spain Football Gifts for Supporters

Supporters following France vs Spain may also be interested in football collectables connected to several of the semi-final’s leading players. The options below include figures, a biography and a buildable Mbappé display model. Prices and availability can change, so the individual product page should be checked before purchasing.

 

 

Building Fitness for Your Own Football Training

The athletic level seen in a World Cup semi-final comes from years of technical practice, conditioning and strength development. Elite players need enough acceleration to reach loose balls, enough aerobic fitness to recover between sprints and enough lower-body stability to change direction under pressure.

 

Players tracking their own development can use the FITTUX strength calculators to assess lifting performance and compare progress over time. Footballers do not need to train like powerlifters, but stronger legs, hips and trunk muscles can support sprinting, balance, shielding the ball and resistance to contact.

 

Cardiovascular fitness is equally important because football involves repeated bursts rather than one continuous pace. The FITTUX cardio calculators can help assess running pace, aerobic performance and training targets. Better recovery between intense efforts allows a player to maintain movement and decision-making quality later in a match.

 

Footwear should be selected for the playing surface, fit and individual role rather than simply because an elite player wears a particular model. Our guide to the best football boots for men explains the main differences and which players may benefit from each type.

 

The quality of the ball also affects training. A consistent football makes it easier to work on first touch, passing weight, shooting and crossing. The FITTUX comparison of the best footballs covers suitable options for practice sessions, matches and casual use.

 

Music can help make solo conditioning and gym work easier to maintain. Anyone completing running intervals, strength sessions or recovery workouts may also find our guide to the best headphones for the gym, running and workouts useful.

 

France vs Spain Score Prediction and Match Outlook

The match is likely to begin with Spain controlling possession and France protecting the central areas. Spain may appear to be the more active side without creating many clear chances, while France wait for opportunities to attack the space behind the full-backs.

 

France’s first goal could arrive through a transition rather than a long passing move. Mbappé is the obvious candidate, particularly if Spain’s right side becomes stretched after an attack breaks down. A set piece or Dembélé run from the opposite flank provides another realistic route.

 

Once France lead, the tactical balance changes. Spain will need to place more players around the penalty area and take greater risks with their passing. France can then defend deeper, protect Maignan and search for the second goal on the counterattack.

 

Spain are good enough to create late pressure, but France have looked comfortable defending leads throughout the tournament. Their centre-backs deal well with crosses, the midfield protects the area outside the box and Maignan has offered security behind them.

 

A second French goal would most likely arrive during the final 20 minutes as Spain push forward. Dembélé’s pace and confidence make him a strong candidate to finish the match, although Mbappé could also add another goal to his remarkable World Cup record.

 

Final score prediction: France 2-0 Spain.

 

The Important France vs Spain Questions Answered

What is the prediction for France vs Spain?

Our France vs Spain prediction is France 2-0 Spain. France have not conceded during the knockout rounds, produced a dominant quarter-final performance and possess the counterattacking pace to exploit the space Spain leave behind when attacking.

 

What time is France v Spain on TV in the UK?

France v Spain kicks off at 8pm UK time on Tuesday 14 July 2026. Television coverage will begin before kick-off, with the exact programme start depending on which broadcaster shows the match.

 

What channel is France v Spain on?

The UK channel had not been officially confirmed at the time of writing. World Cup 2026 coverage is being shared between the BBC and ITV, so the semi-final is expected to be shown free-to-air by one of those broadcasters and its associated streaming platform.

 

Where is France vs Spain being played?

France vs Spain is being played at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The venue is normally known as AT&T Stadium and is located between Dallas and Fort Worth.

 

Is France vs Spain at 8pm on 14 July UK time?

Yes. The World Cup semi-final is scheduled to begin at 8pm BST on Tuesday 14 July 2026.

 

Who won the last France vs Spain match?

Spain won the most recent meeting 5-4 in the UEFA Nations League semi-final on 5 June 2025. Yamal scored twice as Spain survived a late French comeback.

 

What is the France vs Spain head-to-head record?

Before the World Cup 2026 semi-final, the teams had met 38 times. Spain won 18 matches, France won 13 and seven ended in a draw. France won the countries’ only previous World Cup meeting 3-1 in 2006.

 

Why are France predicted to beat Spain?

France are predicted to win because of their defensive record, knockout experience and ability to attack directly. Spain may dominate possession, but France can create clear opportunities with fewer passes and have two in-form forwards in Mbappé and Dembélé.

 

Can France keep a clean sheet against Spain?

A clean sheet will be difficult because Spain possess several elite creators, but France have not conceded during the knockout rounds. Their compact defensive shape, strong centre-backs and Maignan’s goalkeeping give them a realistic chance of winning 2-0.

 

Will Mbappé score against Spain?

Mbappé is the most likely goalscorer in our prediction. Spain’s attacking structure can leave space behind the right-back, and Mbappé enters the semi-final after scoring his 20th World Cup goal against Morocco.

 

Should Mbappé win the Ballon d’Or if France win the World Cup?

Winning the World Cup as France captain would make Mbappé one of the leading Ballon d’Or candidates. His chances would be strengthened further by his eight tournament goals, historic World Cup record and decisive contributions during the knockout rounds.

 

Could Spain still reach the World Cup final?

Spain are fully capable of winning because they have gone 37 competitive matches unbeaten and defeated France in their previous two meetings. They will need to control France’s counterattacks, create cleaner chances than they did against Belgium and prevent Mbappé from receiving in open space.

 

Spain may produce more possession, more passes and longer periods around the French penalty area, but France appear better suited to the decisive moments this semi-final is likely to produce. Their defence has remained secure throughout the knockout rounds, Mbappé is operating at a historic World Cup level and Dembélé gives them a second forward Spain cannot afford to overlook. The European champions will test France more severely than Morocco did, yet the combination of experience, defensive discipline and explosive counterattacking power points towards a controlled French victory in Dallas.

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