France will be hoping to move one step closer to a third FIFA World Cup title when they face Spain in Tuesday’s semi-final.
Les Bleus have reached the last two World Cup finals, lifting the trophy in Russia in 2018 before suffering a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Argentina in the 2022 final in Qatar, despite Kylian Mbappe’s memorable hat-trick.
Spain, meanwhile, are chasing only their second World Cup crown, having won their maiden title at South Africa 2010.
Although La Roja have a rich football history, they have only one World Cup triumph to their name. Many pundits believe Spain possess one of the strongest squads in this year’s tournament.
After beginning their campaign with a disappointing goalless draw against World Cup debutants Cape Verde, Luis de la Fuente’s side have steadily gathered momentum.
Their biggest challenge now will be containing France’s formidable attack led by Mbappe. The Real Madrid forward heads into the encounter with eight goals, level with Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
France’s attacking options also include Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, whose pace and creativity have consistently stretched opposition defense, creating space for Mbappe.
Coach Didier Deschamps can also call upon Paris Saint-Germain duo Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue, both of whom have impressed with their attacking contributions during the tournament.
France are eager to erase the painful memories of their defeat to Argentina in Doha four years ago and would relish another meeting with Messi’s side in the final should the reigning champions overcome England in the other semi-final.
The tournament also marks the end of an era for France, with Deschamps set to step down after 14 years in charge.
Also Read: Spain meets France in epic semi-final
Already one of the few individuals to have won the World Cup as both a player and coach, he will be aiming to leave on the highest note possible by lifting the trophy once more.
Despite France’s pedigree, Deschamps insisted Spain enter the contest as favorites. “Forget about Spain’s opening match against Cape Verde,” he said. “Since then, they have shown why many people consider them the favorites.”
Spain’s hopes will once again rest heavily on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who celebrated his 19th birthday on Monday.
The Barcelona winger arrived at the tournament recovering from a hamstring injury and initially struggled to find his rhythm.
However, his performances have improved significantly, culminating in a player-of-the-match display during Spain’s 2-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium.
Yamal believes Spain have a psychological edge over France, having beaten them in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 and again in a thrilling 5-4 UEFA Nations League semi-final in 2025.
Addressing comments suggesting France should fear Spain more than the other way around, the teenager clarified his remarks.
“I was asked if I was afraid of France, and I said no,” Yamal said. “We are European champions. That’s all I meant. This is football.”
He joked that although he celebrated his birthday by buying a jewel-encrusted necklace, the perfect gift would be leading Spain into Sunday’s World Cup final.
“I haven’t received many presents yet. “The best one would be beating France and travelling to New York for the final,” he said. Spain have built their impressive run on defensive discipline.
The goal they conceded against Belgium in the quarterfinals remains the only one they have allowed throughout the competition.
De la Fuente has also restored Spain’s trademark possession-based style, meaning France may have to spend long periods chasing the ball before launching their own attacks.
