France and Spain meet in the first semi-final of the 2026 World Cup at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, June 14, and both managers head into the tie with near-settled sides.
There are unlikely to be many changes to the sides which won through from the quarter-finals with France defeating Morocco and Spain overcoming a stubborn Belgium side.
France Team News
Kylian Mbappe took an ankle knock in the quarter-final win over Morocco, but is expected to lead the line against Spain.
The France captain has scored eight of Les Bleus' 13 goals at the tournament and will stay central in Didier Deschamps' 4-2-3-1.
Aurelien Tchouameni is still not fully fit and is expected to miss out again after sitting out the Morocco game. Manu Kone impressed as his replacement and should keep his place alongside Adrien Rabiot in midfield.
Bradley Barcola is a genuine alternative to Desire Doue in the wide role, but Didier Deschamps has enough depth to keep the structure that has produced clean sheets throughout the knockout stage.
France also carry no suspensions into the semi-final.
France Predicted Line-Up
France (4-2-3-1)
Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Digne; Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue; Kylian Mbappe.
Spain Team News
Spain will keep the back four of Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella that has conceded once in six matches, with Unai Simon ahead of David Raya and Joan Garcia in goal.
The midfield is Luis de la Fuente's main call. Pedri started the Belgium quarter-final on the bench and is pushing to return alongside Rodri and Dani Olmo, with Fabian Ruiz the alternative.
Mikel Merino has a strong claim to start after scoring the late winner in each of the last two knockout matches, against Portugal and Belgium.
Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino are both unavailable through injury, and Alex Baena is fighting to retain the left flank after a subdued display against Belgium.
Mikel Oyarzabal leads the line with four goals at the tournament.
Spain Predicted Line-Up
Spain (4-3-3)
Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Baena.
For the full France vs Spain match preview, betting tips and predicted score, get our verdict on the semi-final.