Expectations, stats and where to watch as the European champions meet the World Cup favourites
A place in the 2026 World Cup finals will be on the line when France and Spain meet at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Tuesday.
Les Bleus are aiming to reach their third consecutive World Cup final, while Spain are looking to make their first appearance at the tournament since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
Didier Deschamps’ team topped Group I with wins over Senegal, Iraq and Norway before facing Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco in the knockout round.
Their quarter-final victory over Morocco represented perhaps their toughest challenge yet, but goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele ensured a controlled 2-0 victory in Boston.
Mbappe led the way with eight goals in the competition and remains firmly in the race for the golden boot, while Dembele, Michael Olise and Desire Doue provided quality support in attack.
Standing in France’s way are reigning European champions Spain, who have quietly put together a unique tournament.
La Roja topped Group H before dispatching Austria in the Round of 32, beating Portugal in the last 16 and getting past Belgium in the quarter-finals.
Luis de la Fuente’s side finally got their first goal of the tournament against Belgium after making it six points in a row, but substitute Mikel Merino’s late winner ended their unbeaten run.
Spain have won five of their six matches in the competition and have conceded once in over 600 minutes of football.
Defensively, they have been the bench of the competition, and their possession style has allowed them to dictate the balance against the opposition.
Recent meetings between the countries also favor Spain.
La Roja defeated France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 before winning 5-4 in the 2025 Nations League final, although France won the last World Cup meeting between the sides in Germany in 2006.
France vs Spain team news
France is expected to have Mbappe even though the captain suffered a minor ankle injury during their quarter-final win over Morocco.
Aurelien Tchouameni is trying to return after missing the previous match due to injury, while Manu Kone is expected to be fit after taking his place against the Atlas Lions as a precautionary measure.
Dembele, Olise and Doue are all determined to continue attacking behind Mbappe.
Spain have many decisions to make in midfield following Mikel Merino’s match-winning contribution against Belgium.
Rodri is out of control in the stomach, while Fabian Ruiz, Pedri and Dani Olmo compete for places next to him.
Lamine Yamal is expected to keep his place on the right wing despite a quiet competition for his high standards, while Mikel Oyarzabal should once again lead the line.
Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino are both available as well and could provide valuable options off the bench.
