Subscribe: Gist E-Paper
Spain and France will clash in the first semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday in Dallas, with both European heavyweights battling for a place in the final in what is expected to be one of the tournament\'s biggest encounters.
The match pits the competition\'s most prolific attack against one of its most disciplined defences. France have scored 16 goals in six matches, with captain Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele accounting for 13 of those strikes. The attacking duo have been central to Didier Deschamps\' impressive campaign and are expected to pose the biggest threat to Spain\'s defence.
Despite the attention on France\'s firepower, their defensive solidity has been equally impressive. Les Bleus have conceded only two goals throughout the tournament, thanks largely to the midfield shield provided by Adrien Rabiot and Manu Kone, whose performances have kept veteran midfielder N\'Golo Kante out of the starting line-up.
France\'s defensive unit, comprising William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Kounde, Theo Hernandez and Ibrahima Konate, will be tasked with containing Spain\'s youthful attack led by Lamine Yamal and supported by Dani Olmo and Nico Williams.
For Spain, midfield control will be crucial. Rodri, Pedri and Fabian Ruiz are expected to dictate possession and disrupt France\'s rhythm, while also limiting the influence of Michael Olise, who has emerged as one of the tournament\'s standout performers. The Bayern Munich midfielder has flourished in a free creative role and heads into the semi-final with five assists.
Spain have also impressed, scoring 11 goals while conceding just once. However, coach Luis de la Fuente will demand a sharper performance than those produced against Portugal and Belgium if his side hopes to overcome the French challenge. The Spaniards may also need more than late heroics from substitute Mikel Merino, whose goals proved decisive in the previous two rounds.
Football analyst Victor Daniel believes France possess the individual brilliance capable of ending Spain\'s title ambitions.
\"France are the only team capable of beating Spain because of the quality of their individual players,\" he said. “When matches become difficult, players like Dembele and Mbappe can produce moments of magic without relying on the team\'s overall play. That could be the difference.”
Although Spain hold the psychological edge after eliminating France in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals and defeating them in last year\'s UEFA Nations League, France arrive at this tournament with a refreshed squad and renewed confidence.
Kick-off for the eagerly anticipated semi-final is scheduled for 9 p.m. West African Time at Dallas Stadium in Texas, with the winners advancing to Sunday\'s World Cup final.
