Finally, the wait is over! France vs Spain in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 Semifinal at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) on Tuesday, July 14. The winner will advance to the final, making this one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Didier Deschamps’ side have looked strong throughout the knockout stages, but Spain’s technical quality and youthful energy will provide a major test. Attention has now turned to France’s team news and the France starting XI vs Spain Lineup.
Spain XI vs France: Predicted lineup, Injury and confirmed team news
France Injury Update
France head into the semifinal with a mostly fit squad. Kylian Mbappé has been confirmed as fully fit and is expected to start.
There are minor concerns over a few players. Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba both missed parts of training on Saturday due to minor back and muscle issues, but both are expected to be available. Aurélien Tchouaméni has recovered from a groin problem and is set to return, while Manu Koné is dealing with a slight knee knock and is considered a doubt.
No major long-term injuries have been reported, giving Deschamps good options across the pitch.
France Starting XI vs Spain
Here is France’s Starting lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation:
- Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
- Defenders: Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne
- Midfielders: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot
- Attackers: Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué
Striker: Kylian Mbappé
If Tchouaméni is not fully ready, Manu Koné could start in central midfield. Deschamps is expected to name a strong attacking side designed to exploit Spain’s high defensive line.
Key Tactical Points
France will look to use the pace of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé on the wings. Michael Olise and Désiré Doué provide creativity and dribbling ability in the attacking midfield roles.
In midfield, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot offer a balance of defensive cover and progressive passing. Defensively, the partnership of Upamecano and Saliba will need to deal with Spain’s clever movement and the threat of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
Deschamps is likely to instruct his team to press high at times but also remain compact when Spain have the ball, knowing that possession will be contested.
Spain Starting XI vs France
Here is Spain’s Starting lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation:
- Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
- Defenders: Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella
- Midfielders: Rodri, Fabián Ruiz
- Attackers: Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Álex Baena
- Striker: Mikel Oyarzabal
Spain have an almost fully fit squad ahead of tonight’s World Cup semi-final against France.
With Nico Williams lacking full match fitness, Álex Baena is expected to line up on the left side to complement the creative threat of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal on the right.
What to Expect from the Match
Spain are expected to dominate possession and try to control the tempo through Rodri and Pedri. France, however, will look to hit them on the counter-attack with their superior pace and individual quality.
The game is likely to be open and high-quality, with both teams capable of scoring. Set-pieces and individual moments of brilliance could decide the contest.
Match Prediction
France is the slight favorites due to their attacking firepower and experience in big matches. A 2-1 victory for France is the most likely outcome. Mbappé’s quality in the final third should prove decisive, but Spain will make it a very difficult night.
The winner will advance to the 2026 World Cup Final.
