France vs Spain World Cup semi-final sets up blockbuster battle for place in final

The World Cup held its breath on Monday ahead of the first semi-final between France and Spain.

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France have reached the past two World Cup finals. They won the title in Russia in 2018 before losing to Argentina in a dramatic final in Qatar four years later, despite Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick.

Les Bleus are chasing a third World Cup title. Spain, despite their rich football history, have won the tournament only once, lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.

Many observers believe Spain have the quality to win this year’s tournament. However, they must first find a way to stop France’s star-studded attack led by Mbappe.

The Real Madrid forward has scored eight goals in the tournament. He shares the Golden Boot lead with Lionel Messi and will pose a major challenge for Spain’s defence in Arlington, Texas.

France’s attack also features Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise. The English-born forward uses his pace and dribbling to stretch defences and create space for Mbappe.

Coach Didier Deschamps can also call on Paris Saint-Germain duo Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue, whether as starters or substitutes.

France still remember their painful defeat to Messi’s Argentina in the 2022 final. They hope for another chance if Argentina overcome England in Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta.

The tournament also marks Deschamps’ final campaign as France coach after 14 years in charge.

Already one of the few people to win the World Cup as both a player and a coach, Deschamps hopes to leave with a third title.

“It is a human adventure,” Deschamps said after France defeated Morocco in the quarter-finals. “I am very happy personally and delighted to see the players enjoying themselves.”

Lamine Yamal, who turned 19 on Monday, is widely viewed as football’s next superstar after Messi and Mbappe.

The Barcelona winger inspired Spain to the Euro 2024 title. He arrived at the World Cup while recovering from a hamstring injury.

Yamal looked below his best in the early matches. However, he has steadily improved and earned player-of-the-match honours in Spain’s 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium.

The teenager believes Spain hold a psychological advantage. They defeated France 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semi-final and won a thrilling 5-4 Nations League semi-final in 2025.

“There are two possibilities,” Yamal said. “Either they reach three consecutive World Cup finals, or we beat them three times in a row. We’ll see what happens.”

Spain’s success has been built on a disciplined defence. Belgium’s goal in Los Angeles was the first Spain had conceded in the tournament.

Coach Luis de la Fuente has restored Spain’s trademark possession-based style. France must first win back the ball before launching their attacks.