France and Spain clash for first place in FIFA World Cup 2026 final
Dallas set to host first semi-final between unbeaten heavyweights
DALLAS – France and Spain will lock horns in the first semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a place in Sunday's final on the line after both sides produced impressive runs through the tournament.
The clash at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, brings together two of the pre-tournament favourites and two teams that have consistently delivered on football's biggest stage. The winner will advance to the World Cup final on 19th July, while the defeated side will contest the third-place play-off on 18th July.
FIFA has appointed Iván Barton of El Salvador to officiate one of the tournament's biggest fixtures as two European giants chase the first available spot in the final.
France vs Spain
France have been flawless throughout the tournament, winning every match on their way to the last four. Didier Deschamps' side opened the knockout stage with a convincing 3-0 victory over Sweden before edging Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16. Les Bleus then secured a 2-0 quarter-final win over Morocco to extend their unbeaten campaign.
Spain's journey has been equally impressive, though built on disciplined displays and resilience. La Roja began the knockout rounds with a 3-0 win over Austria, followed it with a narrow 1-0 victory against Portugal, and then overcame Belgium 2-1 in the quarter-finals to book their place in Dallas.
France will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Mike Maignan in goal behind a defence of Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba and Lucas Digne. Aurélien Tchouaméni returns to the starting XI alongside Adrien Rabiot in midfield after missing the knockout victories over Paraguay and Morocco, replacing Manu Koné. Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola will support captain Kylian Mbappé in attack.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has named an unchanged side from the quarter-final victory over Belgium. Unai Simón starts in goal, with Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella forming the back line. Rodri and Fabián Ruiz anchor midfield, while Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Álex Baena play behind lone striker Mikel Oyarzabal. Pedri and recent impact substitute Mikel Merino begin on the bench.
FIFA World Cup semi-final
The contest promises a fascinating tactical duel. France are expected to rely on rapid transitions, pace down the flanks and the finishing ability of Mbappé, while Spain will seek to control possession through Rodri and Fabián Ruiz, with Yamal and Olmo looking to exploit spaces between the lines.
Mbappé again leads France's attacking threat alongside Dembélé and Olise, while goalkeeper Maignan and defender Saliba have been instrumental at the other end. Spain's hopes will rest heavily on teenage sensation Yamal, midfield orchestrator Rodri, Olmo, Simón and Nico Williams, who provides another dangerous attacking option.
The semi-final also carries significant historical importance. France have reached their third consecutive World Cup semi-final, underlining their consistency at the highest level. Spain, meanwhile, are chasing only their second appearance in a World Cup final after lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
The winner will earn the right to face either England or Argentina, who meet in the second semi-final on Wednesday, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup title now just one victory away.