Two-time world champions France will face one-time title holders Spain. This clash of European giants is scheduled for 14 July in the semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Texas.
The French national team
France last lifted the World Cup trophy in 2018. This was followed by a dramatic match in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina.
Having reached their third consecutive World Cup semi-final, Didier Deschamps’ side have already made history, as the French have now reached the last four of the World Cup for the eighth time. Only Italy have done so more often (12 times).
The French national team. Photo: French Football Federation – Facebook
In this tournament, the French have demonstrated a strong attack:
- 11 of their 16 goals were scored in the second half
- they consistently create chances
- the game is played at a high intensity after the break
Ousmane Dembélé, having scored five goals in this tournament, now has twelve goals for ‘Les Bleus’ to his name, although he has only opened the scoring in a match twice (1–0). France are protecting their star player Kylian Mbappé, as was particularly evident after he was substituted in the quarter-final against Morocco.
Statistics
In total, 11 of France’s 16 goals at the 2026 World Cup were scored after half-time.
France recorded the highest number of shots on target per game of any nation at this World Cup – an average of 7.8.
In only four of Spain’s last 16 matches did both teams score.
At the 2026 World Cup, Spain averaged 7.33 corners per match.
Probable line-ups
France
Maignan — Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne — Koné, Rabiot — Dembélé, Olise, D. Doué — Mbappé
Spain
Unai Simón — Pedro Porro, Kubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella — Rodri, Fabián — Yamal, Olmo, Alex Baena — Oyarzabal
Spain national team
The reigning European champions unexpectedly failed to secure three points and beat Group H outsiders Cape Verde at the start of the group stage. The “Red Fury” secured top spot in the group with seven points.
The Spanish national team. Photo: Spanish Football Federation – Facebook
Key features of Spain’s play:
- ball control and positional attack
- an average of 7.33 corners per match
- a solid defence — in only 4 out of 16 matches did both teams score
Spain’s star player, Lamine Yamal, is still waiting for his real breakthrough at the 2026 World Cup, but he has already scored three goals in his two previous matches against France — and could well do so again.
Conclusion
Tomorrow’s match prediction can effectively be centred straight away on the attacking strength of both teams. Both sides boast a potent attacking line-up.
Analysis suggests the match could really pick up pace after the break — so it seems logical to bet that the second half will see the most goals scored.
France v Spain prediction
Main bet – Over 2.5 goals
Recommended bet – the second half will have more goals than the first
Score – 1:2
