France vs Spain Set for World Cup Semifinal Showdown

Match Overview

AT&T Stadium in Dallas will host the clash, starting at 4 p.m. Brasília time. Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton will take charge, with CazéTV broadcasting the game and OneFootball delivering live updates. The victor will face either England or Argentina, who meet on Wednesday, before Sunday’s final.

World Cup History

This marks only the second World Cup encounter between France and Spain. Their prior meeting came in the 2006 round‑of‑16, where Raúl opened the scoring before France rallied late through Vieira, Ribéry and Zidane. The clash underscores how rare it is for these two nations to meet on soccer’s biggest stage.

Recent Rivalries

The latest contests have been decisive. France lifted the Nations League title in 2021, while Spain knocked out France in the Euro 2024 semifinals and the 2025 Nations League, the latter ending 5‑4. An Olympic gold match in Paris 2024 also went Spain’s way, 5‑3 after extra time.

France Squad and Objectives

Didier Deschamps has reinstated Tchouaméni after injury and paired him with Rabiot in midfield, while surprise attack‑option Barcola starts up front. Doué remains on the bench, and the starting XI also features Maignan, Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne, Olise, Dembélé and Mbappé. France aims for a historic run, matching Germany (1982‑90) and Brazil (1994‑02) as the only teams to reach three consecutive finals.

Spain Squad and Mission

Luis de la Fuente chose Fabián Ruiz over Pedri, who had started every match until a loss to Belgium. The PSG midfielder impressed in the quarterfinals, scoring a key goal, and earned his spot in the lineup. Spain’s starting eleven includes Unai Simón; Porro, Laporte, Cubarsí, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Campaign Highlights

Spain is currently unbeaten in 36 matches since a March 2024 loss to Colombia, just one short of Italy’s 37‑match streak from 2018‑2021. The team seeks its second World Cup final, having previously reached the summit in 2010. This run demonstrates Spain’s sustained dominance on the global stage.

What’s at Stake

The winner not only advances to the final but also claims bragging rights over a long‑time rival that has repeatedly denied them silverware. Both nations are driven by the desire to cement their legacy with another landmark victory. Expect a tightly contested, high‑intensity game that could write a new chapter in Franco‑Spanish football history.