France are the World Cup favourites but have lost their last two matches against Spain. I think La Roja have the advantage in midfield which can help them upset the odds in the semi-finals.
HTH - La Roja on Top
Spain have long history against France, establishing an 18-13 record alongside seven draws.
They last met in the 2025 UEFA Nations League semi-finals, Spain winning 5-4 with Lamine Yamal scoring twice.
France in Formidable Form
France have a perfect record at the World Cup, winning all six matches with five of those by 2+ goals. Kylian Mbappé has proved his superstar status by scoring eight goals, level with Lionel Messi.
Mbappé scored twice in France’s first two victories, 3-1 against Senegal and 3-0 over Iraq. Ousmane Dembélé took centre stage against Norway, hitting a hat-trick in a 4-1 win.
Didier Deschamps’ side haven’t conceded a goal in the knockout stages, Mbappé bagging another brace in a convincing 3-0 win over Sweden. Paraguay put up a fight but offered nothing in attack, Mbappé’s penalty the difference in a 1-0 victory.
Le Bleus outclassed Morocco in the quarter-finals, Mbappé unable to convert an early penalty before opening the scoring in the second half. Dembélé wrapped up a 2-0 win as they ended the contest with 3.68-0.14 xG.
Deschamps described the victory against the African side, saying: "We have done everything right to pin them. We suffocated them and made them run. Then they were just tired."
France Team News & Predicted Line Up
Aurelien Tchouameni hasn’t featured in the last two games as he battles a thigh injury. Manu Koné could continue in the starting side as a result.
Deschamps is unlikely to make any changes to his French team line up in attack here with Désiré Doué continuing on the left wing ahead of Bradley Barcola.
France (4-2-3-1): Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Adrien Rabiot, Manu Koné; Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué; Kylian Mbappé
Spain's Defence Close to Indestructable
Spain’s defence has been sensational at the World Cup, conceding one goal on their way to the semi-finals.
An unlucky 0-0 draw against Cabo Verde was followed by a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia and 1-0 win against Uruguay.
Mikel Oyarzabal scored two goals in a 3-0 victory against Austria, La Roja dominating with 10-0 shots on target. It was a tougher tussle against Portugal, Mikel Merino’s added time goal securing a 1-0 victory in Toronto.
Luis de la Fuente's side outclassed Belgium in the quarter-finals but left it late once again. Fabián Ruiz’s opener was cancelled out before the break, Merino scoring off the bench as Spain ended with 68% possession and 1.96-0.35 xG.
Spain Team News & Predicted Line Up
Fabián Ruiz staked his claim for a starting spot in midfield but might have to make way for Pedri.
Luis de la Fuente is likely to keep Mikel Merino, Ferran Torres and Nico Williams as options off the bench. Álex Baena would be most likely to drop out if a change is made.
Spain (4-2-3-1): Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal