France
France will be hoping to make a third successive World Cup Final when they face Spain in Tuesday’s semi final in Dallas. Didier Deschamps side have been one of the most attractive sides in this competition.
France opened the Tournament with a hard fought 3-1 win over Senegal with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice, matchday 2 was much more straight-forward when they saw of Iraq 3-0 in a weather delayed game. In the final group game they thrashed a much changed Norway 4-1 with Ousmane Dembele bagging a hat-trick.
In the round of 32 they were drawn to face Sweden but in a one sided game Les Bleus were comfortable 3-0 winners. It wasn’t so straight forward in the last 16 when Paraguay seemed more intent on injuring th french players than trying to beat them, eventually they came through 1-0 thanks to an Mbappe penalty.
Perhaps the best performance of the tournament came in the semi-final when they took on much fancied Morocco and swept them aside with ease, the game finishing 2-0 with Mbappe & Ousmane Dembele on target.
Injuries & Team News
Although Kylian Mbbape was brought off against Morocco in the Quarter Final it was simply to save his legs and there are no worries about him ahead of this game.
Of more concern to Didier Deschamp is the fitness of Manu Kone, the Roma man has been struggling with a knee issue and is doutbful, even if he does make it he is likely to be on the bench with Aurelien Tchouameni returning after a thight problem kept him out of the Morocco game.
The other selection headache for Les Bleus is between Bradley Barcola & Desire Doue on the left side of attack, Barcola dissappointed last time out and i believe Deschamp will go with Doue.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 2-0 vs Morocco |
W W W WW W
|
Predicted Line-Up
France possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe
Spain
Spain entered the 2026 World Cup as many peoples favourites to add a second World Title following the 2010 success. They have a squad full of fantastic players and optimism was high back in Spain.
It didn’t start of well though when they were held to a 0-0 draw with minnows Cape verde and much of that optimism was turning into fears they may not even make it out of the group, those fears were quickly removed when they demolished Saudi Arabia 4-0 on Matchday 2 and a 1-0 win over Uruguay on Matchday 3.
Topping the Group paired them with fellow Europeans Austria in the round of 32 but they were no match for La Roja who swepted them aside 3-0 with Mikel Oyarzarbel scoring twice. Portugal were the opponents in the last 16 and it took until Injury time for them to get the break through securing a 1-0 win thanks to Mikel Merino. They conceded for the first time in the competition in the quarter final with Belgium and again it needed a late Merino goal to see them through 2-1.
Injuries & Team News
Mikel Oyarzabal has scored four times at this World Cup and should lead a fluid front line, Although Luis de la Fuente now has a fully fit Ferran Torres, Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino pushing for a starting berth.
Mikel Merino must be close to a starting role having scored the winner in the two previous rounds but Spain looked a much better side against Belgium when Pedri came of the bench so he is more likely to get the start than the Arsenal man.
If there is a change in midfield it would likely be Fabian Ruiz who loses his place, that would be harsh on the PSG Man having scored the opener in the Quarter Final vs Belgium.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 2-1 vs Belgium | D W W W W W |
Predicted Line-Up
Spain possible starting lineup:
Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| France Win | 2.50 | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 3.10 | Dream Vegas |
| Spain Win | 3.30 | 247Bet |
Prediction
France 1-0 Spain
This game is likely to come down to very fine margins and that could mean a moment of brilliance. France for me have more individual fire power and it could be one of those players who proves the difference.