France take on Spain in a battle of European heavyweights as the two nations clash in the first of the World Cup 2026 semi-finals tonight.
Didier Deschamps’ side have arguably been the best team in the tournament so far having mesmerised with their attacking play, and the incredible talents of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise while Spain have been defensively strong conceding only one goal throughout their campaign.
The European champions are looking to win back-to-back major tournaments and took the lead in Dallas after Lamine Yamal was brought down in the box by Lucas Digne. Mikel Oyarzabal continued his fine campaign by converting from the spot to put La Roja ahead amid complaints from the French side.
Things then got worse for Deschamps’ men as William Saliba was subbed off due to injury in the first half with Maxence Lacroix introduced as his replacement in the heart of the French defence.
Follow all the action from the World Cup semi-final with our live blog below:
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How France and Spain’s World Cup clash of contrasts could decide football’s tactical future
France v Spain live
- France take on Spain in the World Cup 2026 semi-final | Live on ITV1
- Winner will take on either England or Argentina in World Cup final on Sunday
- 60' DISALLOWED! Yamal adds a third but is offside (FRA 0-2 ESP)
- 58' GOAL! Pedro Porro finishes off slick move (FRA 0-2 ESP)
- 22' GOAL! Oyarzabal drills home penalty (FRA 0-1 ESP)
- 20' PENALTY! Yamal wins spot kick after Digne foul (FRA 0-0 ESP)
- William Saliba subbed off injured in 30th minute with Maxence Lacroix introduced
France 0-2 Spain
21:55 , James Hicken90 mins: Cucurella is having one of the games of his career as he stops Mbappe one on one inside the area.
That is probably the best chance of the game for France, but they have been given seven extra minutes to find something
France 0-2 Spain
21:51 , James Hicken88 mins: Yamal gives away a free kick on the edge of his area, bringing down Doue.
Mbappe steps up to be the saviour and sends it over the bar, never troubling Simon.
Yellow card: France 0-2 Spain
21:50 , James Hicken86 mins: Frustrations are showing now for France as a random and desperate ball through from Cherki ends up in Simon’s arms.
Mbappe chases him down and receives a yellow for a late challenge.
Substitutions: France 0-2 Spain
21:47 , James Hicken84 mins: Spain look to consolidate with some fresh legs as Llorente and Williams come on for Baena and Porro.
France 0-2 Spain
21:44 , James Hicken81 mins: As we approach the closing stanzas of what could have been the final, France have not been able to string together more than a couple of passes in the final third and are watching a third consecutive World Cup final slip away from them
France 0-2 Spain
21:41 , James Hicken79 mins: Ferran Torres slides a header just shy of the post as the Spaniards keep popping up in dangerous areas.
The French have not had a sniff in the last 15 mins.
Substitutions: France 0-2 Spain
21:40 , James Hicken78 mins: Ruiz and Olmo are replaced by the equally as dangerous Mikel Merino and Pedri.
Substitution: France 0-2 Spain
21:37 , James Hicken74 mins: Goalscorer Oyarzabal makes way for Barcelona’s Ferran Torres.
Olise has been quiet
21:36 , Richard Jolly at Dallas StadiumMichael Olise really has been quiet today, which is a tribute to Spain.
“On comes Rayan Cherki, another huge creative talent, but one not seen much this tournament.”
Substitutions: France 0-2 Spain
21:35 , James Hicken72 mins: The struggling Digne and Olise come off and are replaced by Cherki and Hernandez
Hydration break: France 0-2 Spain
21:33 , James HickenFrance looking increasingly frustrated throwing in rash challenges as Spain continue to dominate possession.
It would need to be something special from here.
France 0-2 Spain
21:30 , James Hicken67 mins: Mbappe finally find some space on the edge of the area and Cucrella deflects his shot narrowly wide of the left post. France are waiting for their first shot on target.
Cucurella is defending mightily in spite of the dangers of being on a yellow card.
France 0-2 Spain
21:29 , James Hicken65 mins: France have back-to-back corners but nothing comes of it after Mbappe tried to force a bit of magic and draws a save from Unai Simon.
France look disjointed whilst Fabian Ruiz and Rodri are working in perfect tandem in midfield, splitting the defensive and playmaking duties as if they play with each other week in week out.
Almost! France 0-2 Spain
21:25 , James Hicken61 mins: Yamal busts through, in-behind Digne and cuts back slotting it left-footed into the side netting but is denied by the narrowest of offside calls.
"Not a good day on the left"
21:24 , Richard Jolly at Dallas StadiumNot a good day for France's left flank defensively. Both goals have from there.
“Lucas Digne probably was at fault to some extent for the second, as well to a large extent for the first.”
Another one!! France 0-2 Spain
21:22 , James Hicken59 mins: Pedro Porro makes a fantastic run in behind and slots the ball past Maignan on his near post to score his second international goal and second at the tournament
Olmo sacrifices himself for the perfect ball into Porro. This is a serious problem now for France who haven’t look anywhere near scoring yet
Doue on for Barcola
21:18 , Richard Jolly at Dallas StadiumDeschamps is about to bring on Doue, presumably for Barcola, given they have been sharing the role on the left all tournament.”
France 0-1 Spain
21:15 , James Hicken52 mins: Spain are making easy work of the French press now, playing effortlessly out to Cucurella who has free reign of the left side.
It ends up in the feet of Oyarzabal who pops a snap shot just over the bar.
France 0-1 Spain
21:11 , James Hicken48 mins: Spain come out in a high press and Digne is once again under pressure as he is dispossessed by Yamal.
France need to be hoping for a fast start here, they cannot afford for Spain to settle in.
Second half: France 0-1 Spain
21:08 , James Hicken45 mins: Rabiot, who is on a yellow, has been taken off for Kone, perhaps for a more attacking threat.
Spain emerge unchanged and get us underway.
Oyarzabal's penalty to give Spain one foot in the World Cup final
21:06 , James HickenMikel Oyarzabal scores from the spot and Spain lead France! 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/pJManVOZf3
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 14, 2026
Digne is struggling with Yamal
21:03 , James HickenYamal’s turn of pace and agility is proving a big ask for Digne who has be turned and burned more than a few times already.
Its not been an ideal start for the defence, especially as Saliba has been forced to take an early shower.
"Not much went right for France"
20:59 , Mike JonesHere are the thoughts of The Independent’s Senior Football Correspondent, Richard Jolly, reporting from the Dallas Stadium:
A first half where not much went right for France. “There must be a case for taking off Rabiot, who has committed a couple of fouls after being booked. “This could be Didier Deschamps' last half-time teamtalk, the irrelevance of a third-place play-off apart, so a big 15 minutes for him.”
Half-time: France 0-1 Spain
20:58 , James HickenFrance will be happy to see that half behind them. Their key players could not make any real dents in the Spanish defence.
Yamal, despite not getting the goal, has had by far the biggest impact on the game so far. Spain are not in full control but they are muzzling the French attack, giving Olise real trouble.
Did Lamine Yamal commit a handball as he won a penalty for Spain?
20:57 , James HickenQuestions are already arising over the legitimacy of Spain’s penalty as a closer look at the incident reveals that part of Yamal’s arm makes contact with the ball
France 0-1 Spain
20:49 , James Hicken47 mins: Kounde finds himself in acres of space on the right wing and puts it a fizzing ball across the goal but Mbappe, the only man in the box, can’t get to it.
Frances front four have not quite been at the races in this first half, the best of them has been Barcola.
France 0-1 Spain
20:46 , James Hicken43 mins: Cubarsi is judged to have committed an offence on the edge of his area, giving the French an enticing free kick.
VAR, however, informs the referee of his mistake.
A stat to forget
20:41 , Richard Jolly at Dallas StadiumFrance may have a feared front four but their xG is another kind of four - 0.04...”
France 0-1 Spain
20:39 , James Hicken37 mins: A loose pass from Maignan finds its way to a Spanish boot and Yamal and Olmo exchange a couple of exquisite passes. Yamal opts to square it one more time when surely the shot was on.
Gary Neville on penalty decision
20:37 , Mike JonesSpain have the lead and if things remain as they are there will be plenty of conversation of the penalty decision during the half-time break.
ITV pundit Gary Neville criticised Lucas Digne’s awareness or lack thereof.
"Yes, particularly when somebody so brilliant on the outside, you have to be aware of where he is,” Neville said.
“He's closed his body off initially, he has to be aware of where Yamal is, Modric and Kane did it, but he [Digne] has to be more aware around him.
“He's not even aware he's there, he hasn't got a clue."
20:35 , James Hicken33 mins: Spain now looking on the ascendancy with some of their trademark sustained possession.
Olmo pulls up from 30 yards and sends it into row Z.
France 0-1 Spain
20:32 , James Hicken30 mins: Cucurella receives the first yellow card of the game for smashing into Olise, not once, but twice.
Lacroix over Konate
20:32 , Richard Jolly at Dallas StadiumThe PA announcer mangled William Saliba's name as he went off. Interesting Deschamps turned to Lacroix ahead of Konate.”
France 0-1 Spain
20:31 , James Hicken28 mins: France are looking a bit too desperate to make headway and Spain are making easy work of picking them off.
William Saliba has gone off the pitch with an injury, Lacroix comes on as his replacement.
Hydration break: France 0-1 Spain
20:26 , James HickenAfter France probably looking the more likely to score in the first quarter of this game, a slip up from Digne leads to the French finding themselves behind for the first time in this tournament.
Spain have been the best at keeping teams out thus far, but can they repel a vengeful France?
Yamal v Digne
20:26 , Mike JonesHere’s The Independent’s Richard Jolly reporting live from Dallas Stadium:
“Lamine Yamal against Lucas Digne always looked like a duel that Spain might win. Though not sure too many thought it would be quite like that.”
Goal!!! France 0-1 Spain
20:24 , James Hicken22mins: Oyarzabal steps up and hammers it home into the side netting to claim his fifth goal at the World Cup.
Maignan goes the right way but stands no chance with the power on the ball.
Penalty!! France 0-0 Spain
20:22 , James Hicken20 mins: Cucurella puts in a speculative cross which goes over the top.
Luca Digne controls it up in the air and Yamal looks to pounce, sprinting at the ball. Digne goes to clear it and kicks Yamal inside his area.
The French players are protesting a handball.
France 0-0 Spain
20:19 , James Hicken15 mins: France show what the game plan is as Olise drops in deep to collect a defensive header and plays a stunning one-touch pass to Dembele who releases Mbappe.
The captain miscontrols it and the passage dies out...the French are knocking
A slow start
20:19 , Richard Jolly at Dallas StadiumA slow start which we can't attribute to the weather, hot as it is outside.
“It is a contrast with their Euro 2024 semi-final when France were already 1-0 up by now.”
France 0-0 Spain
20:16 , James Hicken14 mins: Spain are making good stops in midfield but have not got enough men forward to launch a meaningful counter attack.
The French press is causing problems but Olise has just been punished for getting a bit too excited and catching Rodri - he is a bit lucky not to get carded there.
France 0-0 Spain
20:12 , James Hicken10 mins: The free-kick strikes the wall but Yamal is there to claim it and put a dangerous cross into the area.
France are looking to play with a ferocious intensity, but Spain are doing an adequate job of cutting the passing lanes to France’s attack.
France 0-0 Spain
20:10 , James Hicken8 mins: Rabiot is penalised just outside of his penalty area for a challenge on Dani Olmo.
A dangerous free-kick for Spain as Yamal and Oyarzabal stand over it.
France 0-0 Spain
20:07 , James Hicken6 mins: Spain looked to settle into their shape, but an unforced error unleashed France on the counter attack and Barcola makes easy work of his man Pedro Porro.
First corner of the game isn’t successful and Spain get let off with a goal-kick.
France 0-0 Spain
20:04 , James Hicken3 mins: It’s a bit of a frantic start as both teams try to find their feet.
The ball has already changes hands at least a dozen times, which will not be how Spain will want to play this game as France look to push the pace
Kick-off! France 0-0 Spain
20:01 , James HickenSpain get us underway and the first and third ranked seeds at this World Cup will finally face-off in one of the most anticipated games of the tournament.
Team announcements
19:56 , Richard Jolly at Dallas StadiumThe teams are being announced in a ludicrously over-the-top way by a man called Bruce Buffer, surrounded by four cheerleaders.
“Apparently Buffer is the announcer for UFC.”
Spanish fans wait with anticipation as the players take the pitch
19:54 , James Hicken
Patrick Viera claims Mbappe is better than Messi
19:52 , James HickenWhen asked, Viera maintained that Mbappe is better than both Theirry Henry and Lionel Messi, two all-time legends of the game.
Michael Olise - the next Zidane?
19:47 , James HickenSpeaking on the ITV broadcast, Patrick Viera was questioned on his comparisons between Michael Olise and Zinedine Zidane, and if it may be putting the weight of expectation unnecessarily on his shoulder.
But Viera says he happily compares him to Zidane and even Michel Platini because to be special like them you need to have the ability to carry that weight and he believes Olise is a special talent.
Is anyone in danger of a suspension tonight?
19:40 , James HickenAll yellow cards from the quarterfinal will be wiped out ahead of the final four stage. Therefore, players who had a yellow card shown earlier in the tournament will not miss the final if they are shown a second one in the semi final.
Yellow cards were also wiped out after the group stage which is a new change for the tournament. But tonight someone would have to be carded twice or get a straight red to miss the final.
Why Trump and Fifa, try as they might, will never overshadow World Cup’s most beautiful feature
19:30 , Mike JonesFrom Seattle to Mexico City, Kieran Jackson digests the visceral energy of people from all walks of life at stadiums across North America and concludes: the World Cup’s multi-culturalism is unparalleled.
Why Trump and Fifa will never overshadow World Cup’s most beautiful feature
Lamine Yamal arrives in the stadium with the expectation of a nation on his shoulders
19:25 , James Hicken
Patrick Viera compares Mbappe and Henry
19:20 , James Hicken"It's a good comparison [between Kylian Mbappe and Thierry Henry], the two best-ever French No 9s,” Viera said. “But Mbappe is quicker with his feet, the goal vs Morocco shows it, no space, eight players around him, he finds the way to make the shot and score.
“I think Mbappe is the best player in the world, I'd put him even above Messi."
Barcola starts over Doue as Mbappe leads the charge
19:13 , James Hicken😤 𝑳𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒖 !
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) July 14, 2026
Voici les 11 Bleus qui partiront au combat face à l’Espagne pour une place en finale 💙
🔜 21h00 sur M6 et beIN SPORTS 1 📺 pic.twitter.com/DEapv1aiuk
The Dallas Stadium is impressive
19:12 , Richard Jolly at Dallas StadiumHere’s The Independent’s Richard Jolly reporting from Dallas ahead of kick off:
The Dallas Stadium was mooted as a potential final venue and it is certainly impressive, a huge ground with a massive screen.
“The France and Spain players will be a long way below me.
“Didier Deschamps has brought in Bradley Barcola and a fit-again Aurelien Tchouameni for Desire Doue and Manu Kone.
“Spain are unchanged.”
Yamal starts as Spain team announced
19:10 , James Hicken🚨 OFFICIAL | Our XI to face France
— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) July 14, 2026
The mission is clear.
Let's earn our place in the World Cup Final. ❤️🇪🇸#VamosEspaña | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/DumUTDWLO8
Mbappe 'the best in the world' says Vieira
19:08 , Mike JonesPatrick Vieira was asked to compare two French greats in Kylian Mbappe and Thierry Henry.
As part of ITV’s coverage of this semi-final he said: "It's a good comparison, the two best-ever French No 9s, but Mbappe is quicker with his feet, the goal vs Morocco shows it, no space, eight players around him, he finds the way to make the shot and score.
“I think Mbappe is the best player in the world, I'd put him even above Messi."
Controversial referee Ivan Barton in charge of proceedings
19:05 , James HickenIvan Barton of El Salvador is to be tonight's referee and he meets mixed opinion.
He was in charge of the United States vs Mexico game in the Concacaf semi-finals that ended with four red cards and a brawl between the two teams erupting.
Barton also has had a moment in the spotlight this world cup as the only referee to have had to send a player off for covering their mouth when speaking to an opposition player - giving Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron a red card.
Excitement builds in the stadium
18:54 , James Hicken
Spain team to take on France
18:48 , Mike JonesSpain XI: Unai Simon; Porro, Laporte, Cubarsi, Cucurella; Fabian Ruiz, Baena, Rodri; Olmo, Yamal. Oyarzabal
🚨 OFFICIAL | Our XI to face France
— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) July 14, 2026
The mission is clear.
Let's earn our place in the World Cup Final. ❤️🇪🇸#VamosEspaña | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/DumUTDWLO8
France arriving at the Dallas Stadium.
18:47 , James Hicken
France XI to take on Spain
18:47 , Mike JonesFrance XI: Maignan; Digne, Upamecano, Kounde, Saliba; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Mbappe, Olise, Barcola
😤 The time has come.
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) July 14, 2026
Here are the 11 French players who will take on Spain for a spot in the World Cup final 💙
pic.twitter.com/yspVuSKYuU
Yamal on his lack of goals
18:40 , James HickenThe Spanish star has struggled to find his momentum since being slowly reintroduced to the starting XI after an injury for Barcelona, but his personal statistics are not at the front of his mind.
Honestly, it doesn’t frustrate me,” Yamal said after Spain's quarter-final victory
“I won the European Championship scoring just one goal. If we win the World Cup, I don’t think anyone in this room is going to tell me, ‘You didn’t score.’
“We’ve won, and that’s what matters. As long as we keep advancing, I’ll be very happy.”
Although, I’m sure he wouldn’t say no to a couple of goals on a night like tonight.
The deeper battle behind France and Spain’s World Cup semi-final
18:30 , Mike JonesA mouthwatering clash brings together the two nations that have emerged as the superpowers of European football in the 21st century explains Richard Jolly in Dallas.
The deeper battle behind France and Spain’s World Cup semi-final
A safe pair of hands - Unai Simon's World Cup record
18:23 , James HickenBefore Spain’s game against Belgium, goalkeeper Unai Simon has not been passed in six world Cup games and before Charles De Ketelaere’s goal, the total was a record 650 minutes without conceding.
The previous record was held by Italy’s Walter Zenga at 517 minutes. Simon will find himself with perhaps his toughest ever challenge in stopping Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola from hitting the back of the net.
Lamine Yamal - The man for the big moment?
18:17 , James HickenHeading into the competition, the hype around Lamine Yamal, was at a boiling the point. The teenager was a European champion and the talisman of a resurgent Barcelona team.
With only one goal and no assists so far in the competition so far, he has not produced the level of end product many were expecting. This can be partially put down to a lack of minutes in the group stages, but there would be no better time for Yamal to remind the world why he is seen as a generation defining prodigy in what could be a competition defining clash for the Spaniards.
Luis de la Fuente invokes Julius Caesar to motivate his men
18:10 , James HickenSpanish head coach De la Fuente believes big achievements require a big sacrifice, no doubt the topic of the day ahead of tonight's semi-final against one of the best teams ever seen on the international stage.
“Julius Caesar, one of the great conquerors in history, said: ‘There are no big achievements without suffering.’ De La Fuente explained yesterday
“I always tell my players and staff that, if you want to achieve big things in life, you need to leave something along the way and suffer a great deal. And we are here to suffer.”
Defence vs. Attack - Can Spain do enough to tame France?
18:03 , James HickenSpain have been the best defence in this World Cup so far with only once goal conceded - in their 2-1 triumph over Belgium in the quarter-finals. But France are not far behind being the only team to have conceded twice in the tournament.
On the attacking side of the coin, there is a more obvious gulf in class as France have the second highest goal total with 16 scored, averaging nearly three goals per game. Spain have struggled more to find the back of the net - scoring 11 so far.
Can the defences hold firm, or will it be an all-out attacking war? It looks as though France can do both
Didier Deschamps to face tournament 'favourites'
17:57 , James HickenAhead of the tournament the French head coach was certain of Spain as the leading contenders to take the title.
“If there's a favourite team, it's Spain, even though France legitimately aspires to win the title,” Deschamps said ahead of France’s opening game. “But its a long road ahead.
“I'm not going to consider the French team stronger than the others, but the clear favourite is Spain, I have no doubt about that.”
Well, favourites or not, Deschamps and his men will have to find a way to better the European champions tonight if they hope to claim a two of the last three World Cups.
Can Mbappe overtake Messi? The Golden Boot race as it stands
17:49 , James HickenMbappe and Messi are the only two players in history to score seven or more goals at consecutive World Cups. The French sensation has the opportunity to nudge ahead of his rival tonight, although he, technically, is currently ahead, having three assists over Messi’s two.
Of the four remaining teams in the competition, five are all close in the running or for the coveted Golden Boot, which could be a big factor in Ballon D’Or voting later this year.
- Kylian Mbappe - 8 goals, 3 assists
- Lionel Messi - 8 goals, 2 assists
- Harry Kane - 6 goals, 1 assist
- Jude Bellingham - 6 goals, 1 assist
- Ousmane Dembele - 5 goals, 2 assists
We want to make the French people proud
17:42 , Mike Jones"It's gonna be 14 July, which is France's National Day, and we really want to make the French people proud,” said French defender Jules Kounde.
“Since the start of this journey, we have been aware of the support we have received. We can feel the excitement around the team and it means a lot to us. Beyond that, it is still a World Cup semi-final with so much at stake.
“That is already an incredible source of motivation in itself. We simply hope it will be a great celebration in the end."
A repeat of Euro 2024?
17:36 , Mike JonesFrance and Spain have recently collided in competitive matches having met at the semi-final stage of Euro 2024.
La Roja beat Les Bleus on their way to being crowned European champions before defeating France again in a nine-goal thriller in the Nations League last year.
Will the Spaniards get through tonight?
How France and Spain’s World Cup clash of contrasts could decide football’s tactical future
17:30 , Mike JonesMuch more than just attack against defence, the distinct identities of the two sides could create a compelling contest in Dallas says Miguel Delaney.
France and Spain’s World Cup clash of styles could decide football’s tactical future
No plan for Yamal
17:25 , Mike JonesFrance are not preparing a specific plan to deal with Spain’s Lamine Yamal says midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
"There is no anti-Yamal plan. We are focused on the Spanish team as a whole, not on one specific player,” he admitted.
“We know they are dangerous in every area: whether it is him, their attacking players, their possession game, their ability to attack small spaces close to the box, or their combination play.
“So our main focus is on all of that, rather than on one individual player."
A long way to go
17:19 , Mike JonesHere are some pre-match thoughts from Kylian Mbappe:
"We’re in the semi-finals and we’re very happy, but there’s still a long way to go.
“We realise that what lies ahead is even tougher than what we’ve been through, but we’re ready to face anything."
Three in a row?
16:54 , Mike JonesFrance are one win away from reaching the World Cup final for a third consecutive tournament.
They became world champions in 2018 beating Croatia in the final before losing out to Argentina on penalties in 2022.
Laporte v Upamecano
16:48 , Mike JonesFrance and Spain both have incredible defenders but who comes out on top in a battle of centre-backs.
La Roja’s Aymeric Laporte has expertly marshalled the Spanish defence in this tournament.
But, his 11 interceptions have been bettered by France’s Dayot Upamecano (12).
The defensive framework
16:42 , Mike JonesAfter six games, Spain have faced just seven shots on target in this tournament.
That’s the fewest shots on target faced per match (1.17) of any side at a men’s World Cup on record (since 1966).
Will their defensive framework work as well against the might of France’s forward and potentially carry them to the final?
Tiki-taka?
16:36 , Mike JonesSpain have maintained their trademark passing style throughout this World Cup campaign, completing 598 passes per match behind only Argentina.
They are also averaging more possession per game than any other side (66.0%).
Why blockbuster World Cup semi-finals could be the best of all time
16:30 , Mike JonesPacked with individual and collective quality, Spain, France, England and Argentina are a fabulous and fitting final four, writes Miguel Delaney – and could take this tournament to new heights.
Why blockbuster World Cup semi-finals could be the best of all time
The final before the final
16:24 , Mike JonesBoth these teams have a greater chance of winning the World Cup than either England or Argentina according to Opta.
That means the most likely champion should be whichever team triumphs over the other in tonight’s clash.
France and Spain have taken different routes to get to the final four with La Roja building their success on a solid defensive foundation, while Les Bleus having made use of their star-studded attack.
This match has been billed as a final before the final but which team will come out on top?
Spain's early team news
16:18 , Mike JonesSpain also have no suspensions and were boosted by Nico Williams returning to the pitch for the closing stages of their late win over Belgium.
Mikel Merino is likely to keep his super-sub role, despite scoring winners off the bench in the last-16 and quarter-finals, while Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo could continue alongside Rodri in midfield, leaving Pedri on the bench.
Predicted Spain XI: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal
France's early team news
16:12 , Mike JonesKylian Mbappe was removed towards the end of France’s 2-0 win over Morocco but confirmed afterwards that he was not injured. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has missed France’s last two matches, with Manu Kone replacing him.
Kone was also removed towards the end of the win against Morocco but should be fit to start.
Elsewhere, whether to start Bradley Barcola or Desire Doue on the left is the only other selection choice facing Didier Deschamps.
Predicted France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe
When is France v Spain and how to watch?
16:06 , Mike JonesThe World Cup semi-final will kick off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 14 July at the Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas.
It will be shown live on ITV 1 and STV 1 in the UK, as well as ITV X. Coverage starts from 7pm BST.
France v Spain
16:00 , Mike JonesFrance and Spain meet in a blockbuster World Cup 2026 semi-final and in a clash of the two best teams at the tournament so far.
While France have dazzled with their attacking play, led by Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, Spain have conceded only one goal as the European champions look to win back-to-back major tournaments.
Spain defeated France in a thrilling Euro 2024 semi-final two years ago, which saw Lamine Yamal become the youngest goalscorer in European Championship history. Yamal, who turned 19 on Monday, is yet to truly arrive at the tournament but the Barcelona star may yet have a decisive say.
Real Madrid’s Mbappe, meanwhile, continues his quest for a third consecutive World Cup final and second title. The captain of the 2022 World Cup runners-up has scored eight goals to sit top of the Golden Boot race with Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who faces England in the other semi-final on Wednesday.
Mbappe scored a stunning goal in France’s routine 2-0 win over a subdued Morocco in the quarter-finals, while Spain defeated Belgium thanks to a late Mikel Merino goal to set up what head coach Luis de la Fuente described as the “final before the final”.
Good afternoon!
15:23 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s first World Cup 2026 semi-final as France take on Spain.
It’s a clash of European heavyweights with the winner booking their spot in New York for Sunday’s final where they will face either England or Argentina.
France have been the tournaments great entertainers but Spain have been defensively solid, letting in just one goal from six games, and that clash of styles could be crucial in deciding who goes through.
We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates from the semi-final in Dallas so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm BST.
