Match Overview
The wait is finally over. France and Spain meet in the first semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, July 14, at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kick-off is at 2:00 PM local time (CT), which is 3:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM in the UK, and 9:00 PM in Paris and Madrid.
The winner of this match will book a place in the World Cup final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium, where they will face either England or Argentina.
This is a heavyweight clash. France are two-time World Cup winners (1998, 2018) and were runners-up in 2022. Spain, the reigning European champions, are back in a World Cup semi-final for the first time since they lifted the trophy in 2010.
Road to the Semi-Final
France have been the form team of the tournament. Didier Deschamps’ side topped their group with a perfect nine points, beating Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. In the knockout rounds, Les Bleus have not conceded a single goal, beating Sweden 3-0 in the round of 32, Paraguay 1-0 in the round of 16, and Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals.
Spain won their group after a draw with Cabo Verde and wins over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Luis de la Fuente’s team then beat Austria 3-0 in the round of 32 and continued their strong run through the knockout stage to reach the last four.
Head-to-Head Record
Spain lead the overall head-to-head record 18-13 and have won the last two competitive meetings between these sides:
- A 2-1 win for Spain in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final, where a 16-year-old Lamine Yamal scored a stunning equaliser.
- A thrilling 5-4 win for Spain in the 2025 Nations League semi-final in Stuttgart.
This recent history gives Spain confidence, even though France go into this match as slight favourites according to bookmakers.
France Team News
France have no players suspended for this match. All yellow cards were wiped clean ahead of the semi-final, which is good news for Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise, and Manu Kone.
Captain Kylian Mbappe picked up a minor ankle knock late in the win over Morocco but said afterward that he felt “completely fine.” He is expected to start. Mbappe now has 20 goals in as many World Cup appearances and is level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
Midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni (thigh) and Manu Kone (knee) were both doubts heading into the match after picking up knocks in the previous rounds, but both returned to training and are expected to be available.
Predicted France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe
Deschamps’ front three of Dembele, Olise, and Mbappe (with Barcola or Doue on the left) have combined for 23 goals at this World Cup, making them the most dangerous attack left in the tournament.
Spain Team News
Spain also have a near-clean bill of health. Wingers Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino have recovered from mid-tournament injuries and are available, though they are expected to start from the bench. Victor Munoz is a minor doubt after a calf issue but should be fit enough to feature if needed. Spain have no suspensions for this match either.
Rodri continues to anchor the midfield as captain, with Dani Olmo playing in the attacking midfield role. Mikel Oyarzabal has stepped up as the starting striker with four goals in the tournament, while Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte have formed a solid partnership at centre-back.
Predicted Spain XI: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal
Mikel Merino, who scored the winning goal off the bench in Spain’s last two knockout games, is likely to again start as a substitute, giving Spain a strong option for a late change.
Key Battles to Watch
- Mbappe vs Spain’s back line: Cubarsi and Laporte will need to deal with the pace and movement of Mbappe, who has been unstoppable in the knockout rounds.
- Rodri vs France’s midfield: Rodri sets the tempo for Spain. If Tchouameni and Rabiot can control this area, France cut off Spain’s supply line.
- Yamal vs Digne: Lamine Yamal has been Spain’s breakout star and loves to cut inside from the right. Lucas Digne will have his hands full.
Prediction
Both teams arrive in excellent form, but France have the edge in terms of defensive record, having not conceded a single goal across three knockout matches. Spain’s attacking talent, led by Yamal, Olmo, and Oyarzabal, is more than capable of breaking that streak, and their recent head-to-head wins prove they do not fear France.
Expect a tight, cagey first half followed by a more open second half as fatigue sets in. Mbappe’s quality in one-on-one moments should be the difference-maker in a match that could go all the way to extra time.
Final Score Prediction: France 2-1 Spain
France to reach their fourth World Cup final in the last five tournaments, edging out Spain in a close contest at Dallas Stadium.
How to Watch
The match is being broadcast live across major networks and streaming platforms worldwide. Check your regional FIFA broadcast partner for exact channel and streaming details in your country.
This prediction is based on team news, form, and head-to-head data available as of July 14, 2026. Squad selections and match conditions can change up until kick-off.