Spain and France will renew their rivalry when both heavyweights clash today (Tuesday) in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
To get to this stage of the tournament France were flawless in the group stage as they topped with nine points before seeing off Sweden (round of 32) Paraguay (round of 16) and Morocco (quarterfinals).
As for Spain, they bounced back from a shock 0-0 draw with debutants Cape Verde to beat Saudi Arabia (4-0) and Uruguay (1-0), before victories against Austria, Portugal and Belgium in the round of 32, round of 16 and quarterfinals, respectively.
Ahead of today’s tie, Spanish fans can claim recent precedent favours their team, who have won seven of their last 10 games against France.
The most recent two were particularly notable: 2-1 in the semis of Euro 2024, which they went on to win, and 5-4 at last year’s UEFA Nations League finals.
But heading into the encounter, this current crop of Spanish players would hope to become the first-ever side to beat France at a FIFA senior men’s World Cup.
The first and only time both teams clashed in the tournament was in the round of 16 in Germany 2006 which France won 3-1.
David Villa gave Spain the lead from the penalty spot before Franck Ribery made it 1-1 with four minutes left in the first half.
Then with less than 10 minutes remaining in the game Patrick Vieira put France 2-1 up while captain Zinedine Zidane added the third goal to send France into the last eight.
Though Mbappe was taken off in the second half of France’s quarter-final, he should recover from a minor ankle sprain in time to start.
Midfielder Manu Kone was also withdrawn due to a knee issue, but that was thought to be a precautionary measure, can vie with Aurelien Tchouameni for selection after the latter completed his comeback from a thigh injury.
On eight goals already, Golden Boot contender Mbappe will link up with Ballon D’Or holder Dembele again – the pair have created 19 chances for one another so far this summer.
It remains to be seen whether Doue or Barcola joins them and Olise in the French final third – and Spain’s attack is not set in stone either.
Mikel Oyarzabal has scored four at this World Cup and should lead a fluid front line, but Ferran Torres and fit-again pair Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino are all pushing for promotion from the bench.
Meanwhile, midfielders Mikel Merino and Pedri also have strong claims to start, leaving Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo looking over their shoulders.
Lamine Yamal has yet to replicate his stunning Euro 2024 form, but the teen winger is a fixture on La Roja’s right flank, linking up with Pedro Porro, who seems to have won his selection duel with Marcos Llorente.
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Source: Complete Sports
