Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
France vs Spain will decide the first 2026 FIFA World Cup finalist at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday. France is chasing a third consecutive final, while Spain is seeking its first appearance since winning the 2010 tournament.
France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals through goals from Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé. Spain advanced after substitute Mikel Merino scored an 88th-minute winner in a 2-1 victory over Belgium.
Elsewhere in football, the A-League faces a possible strike after players rejected a new CBA offer.
Team News and Tactical Battle
Kylian Mbappé left the Morocco match during the second half but is expected to start. Spain has reported no new absences, although Pedri appeared tired late against Belgium.
France has scored 16 goals and won every match in regulation, while its defence has not conceded during the knockout rounds. Spain has allowed only one goal at the tournament and will seek to control possession against France’s pace on the break.
The official FIFA match centre confirms the semifinal date and Dallas venue.
Projected Line-Ups
France: Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué; Kylian Mbappé.
Spain: Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri Hernández, Fabián Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Álex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.
Prediction
Spain’s patient passing and defensive record should keep the match close, but France carries greater scoring power across its front line. Kylian Mbappé’s movement could prove decisive if Spain pushes its defensive line forward.
Prediction: France 2-1 Spain
