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France vs Spain FIFA World Cup Semi-Final: Mbappé Faces Yamal as Heavyweights Clash After 20 Years

Posted on 14th Jul 2026 12:07 pm by rohit kumar

Football fans are set for a blockbuster showdown as France and Spain lock horns in the first semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The high-voltage clash will be played at Dallas Stadium on Wednesday at 12:30 AM (IST), marking the first World Cup meeting between the two European powerhouses in 20 years.

 

The last time France and Spain met in the FIFA World Cup was in 2006, when France defeated Spain 3-1 in the Round of 16.

 

France vs Spain Head-to-Head Record

 

France and Spain have faced each other 38 times across all competitions.

 

Spain Wins: 18

France Wins: 13

Draws: 7

 

Their most recent meeting came in the 2025 UEFA Nations League semi-final, where Spain edged France 5-4, with Lamine Yamal scoring twice.

 

Mbappé Leads France's Charge

 

France captain Kylian Mbappé enters the semi-final in sensational form.

 

The star forward has already scored 8 goals, the highest tally in the tournament, making him the leading contender for the Golden Boot.

 

France also boasts another attacking threat in Ousmane Dembélé, who has contributed 5 goals, giving Les Bleus one of the most dangerous forward lines in the competition.

 

Lamine Yamal Carries Spain's Hopes

 

Spain's biggest attacking weapon is teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

 

Although the 19-year-old has scored only one goal in the tournament, he has consistently created scoring opportunities and remains one of Spain's most influential players.

 

Midfielder Mikel Merino, with 2 goals, is currently Spain's leading scorer in the competition.

 

France Have Won Every Match

 

France have enjoyed a perfect campaign so far, winning all six matches.

 

Their journey to the semi-finals:

 

Senegal – Won 3-1

Iraq – Won 3-0

Norway – Won 4-1

Sweden (Round of 32) – Won 3-0

Paraguay (Round of 16) – Won 1-0

Morocco (Quarter-final) – Won 2-0

 

A victory would send France into their third consecutive FIFA World Cup final, having lifted the trophy in 2018 before finishing runners-up in 2022.

 

Spain Unbeaten in FIFA World Cup 2026

 

Spain have also impressed throughout the tournament, remaining unbeaten with five wins and one draw.

 

Their results include:

 

Saudi Arabia – Won 4-0

Uruguay – Won 1-0

Cape Verde – Drew 0-0

Austria (Round of 32) – Won 3-0

Portugal (Round of 16) – Won 1-0

Belgium (Quarter-final) – Won 2-1

 

If Spain win, they will reach their first FIFA World Cup final since 2010, when they defeated the Netherlands to lift their maiden world title.

 

France's Attack vs Spain's Rock-Solid Defence

 

The semi-final promises a fascinating tactical battle.

 

France's explosive attack, led by Mbappé and Dembélé, will test a Spanish defence that has conceded just one goal throughout the tournament.

 

Meanwhile, Spain will rely on the creativity of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Rodri, and Nico Williams to break down France's disciplined backline.

 

Probable Playing XI

France

 

Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Theo Hernández; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembélé, Antoine Griezmann, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappé.

 

Spain

 

David Raya; Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Álvaro Morata, Nico Williams.

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