France vs Spain: World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Preview — Revenge or Repeat?

Kylian Mbappé by Bryan Berlin (User:Berlination) — Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0

France face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final on 14 Jul 2026, with a place in the final at stake.

Match Info

• Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 — Semi-Final
• Kick-off: 14 Jul 2026, 19:00 UTC
• Stage: Semi-Final (Winner plays in the Final on 18 Jul)

The Story

This is a repeat of the Euro 2024 Semi-Final, which Spain won 2-1 in Munich. France midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery has said his team want to exact "revenge for the Euros" and banish those painful memories. A revitalised France have turned their fortunes around since then, blazing a trail to the last four with scintillating attacking football.

Spain arrive with their own swagger — teenager Lamine Yamal, who celebrated his 19th birthday on the eve of the match, was in relaxed mood at the pre-match press conference, showing off a new diamond chain. "Pressure? No," the young star said with a smile.

Recent Form

• France: W-W-W-W-W — Five consecutive wins through the tournament, including knockout stage victories. The team has been in devastating form going forward.
• Spain: W-W-W-W-W — Perfect run through the World Cup. Luis de la Fuente's side have maintained their trademark possession-based style throughout.

Head-to-Head

France and Spain have met in several high-stakes encounters recently:

• Euro 2024 Semi-Final: Spain 2-1 France (Munich) — Spain went on to win the tournament
• UEFA Nations League Final 2021: France 2-1 Spain — France lifted the trophy
• Both nations know each other's systems intimately at the highest level.

Key Players to Watch

• Lamine Yamal (Spain) — The birthday boy and youngest star of the tournament, a constant threat on the right wing.
• Warren Zaïre-Emery (France) — The young midfielder driving France's engine, hungry for Euro revenge.

What to Watch

The biggest match of the tournament so far. Two European giants, both with perfect records, fighting for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final. France seek revenge for Euro 2024; Spain aim to prove their dominance over their neighbours once more.

Sources: The Guardian

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