Spain have broken the deadlock against France in their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, taking a crucial first-half lead in a contest that had been finely balanced during the opening exchanges.
The breakthrough rewarded Spain's patient, possession-based approach after they enjoyed more of the ball early on, while France looked to threaten on the counter through Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.
France had started with their strongest available XI despite concerns over Mbappé's ankle, with Didier Deschamps naming the tournament's leading scorer in attack. Spain, meanwhile, retained the side that edged Belgium in the quarter-finals, with Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal leading the frontline.
Les Bleus now face the challenge of overturning a deficit against a Spanish side that has been one of the tournament's most disciplined defensive teams, having conceded only once before this semi-final.
With a place in the World Cup final at stake, France are expected to increase the tempo in search of an equaliser, while Spain will aim to protect their advantage and book a meeting with the winner of England versus Argentina.
Spain XI: Unai Simon (goalkeeper); Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri (captain), Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal
France XI: Mike Maignan (goalkeeper); Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappe (captain).
FIFA World Cup 2026
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