Adedokun Waliyu France and Spain will battle for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final when they meet in a highly anticipated semi-final at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The encounter brings together two of the tournament’s strongest teams, with France hoping to reach a third consecutive World Cup final and Spain seeking a second world title after their triumph in 2010.
France coach Didier Deschamps described Spain as the favourites, praising their balanced style of play.
According to Deschamps, Spain possess a strong attack, an organised defence and have been difficult to break down throughout the tournament, making the semi-final one of the biggest matches of the competition.
France reached the World Cup finals in 2018 and 2022, lifting the trophy in Russia before losing to Argentina on penalties in Qatar despite Kylian Mbappé’s memorable hat-trick.
Now chasing a third World Cup title, Les Bleus are once again relying on Mbappé, who has scored eight goals in the tournament and is currently tied for the Golden Boot lead with Lionel Messi.
France’s attack has also been boosted by the performances of Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, whose pace and creativity have helped create opportunities for the French frontline.
Despite concerns about their defence before the tournament, France have impressed defensively and remain one of the competition’s strongest sides.
Deschamps is also hoping to end his 14-year reign as France coach on a high note, with reports indicating that he will leave the national team after the World Cup.
Spain, meanwhile, have built their campaign on disciplined possession football and defensive solidity. After an early goalless draw with tournament debutants Cape Verde, La Roja have steadily improved and now enter the semi-final full of confidence.
Nineteen-year-old Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has become Spain’s biggest attacking weapon. After recovering from a hamstring injury before the tournament, he has gradually returned to his best form and was named Player of the Match in Spain’s 2–1 quarter-final victory over Belgium.
Yamal reminded reporters that Spain defeated France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 and again in the UEFA Nations League semi-final in 2025, insisting there is no reason for Spain to fear their opponents.
He explained that his earlier comments about France being “afraid” had been misunderstood, saying he simply meant that Spain, as European champions, respect every opponent but do not fear any team.
The teenager added that the perfect birthday gift would be helping Spain reach the World Cup final.
Spain’s impressive run has also been built on a solid defence led by Aymeric Laporte, with Belgium becoming the first team to score against them during the tournament.
Coach Luis de la Fuente said his team would approach the match positively by playing on the front foot, looking to dominate possession and impose Spain’s style of football while competing strongly in individual battles across the pitch.
With a place in the World Cup final at stake, the semi-final promises to be one of the tournament’s most exciting and closely contested encounters.
