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World Cup: France-Spain Preview

Looking to reach a third World Cup final in as many tournaments, France will square off against Spain tomorrow in Dallas. Get the latest on the match with the Ligue 1 McDonald's team.
E. DEVIN
Published on 07/14/2026 at 02:30
2-minute read
Europe's two top-ranked sides face off in tomorrow's World Cup semifinal

Looking to reach a third World Cup final in as many tournaments, France will square off against Spain tomorrow in Dallas. Get the latest on the match with the Ligue 1 McDonald's team.

Mbappé back in the fold

France have been mightily impressive in the tournament to date, only needing to suffer against again dogged Paraguay to date. But despite their strong display against the Atlas Lions last week, there was more than a moment of heart-in-mouth, as Kylian Mbappé, the tournament's leading scorer to date, was forced off through injury late on.

France manager Didier Deschamps has assured the world that Mbappé is ready to build onhis stellar performances, though, and the former Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain man is fully fit and ready to slice through La Rioja's defence. 

Barça to the side

Barcelona have been the dominant force in Spain's La Liga in recent seasons, but their strong play in this tournament has had little to do with their team's regulars. Despite having had strong seasons for the Blaugrana, the likes of Gavi, Pedri and Ferran Torres  -- all great fits in a 4-3-3 --are all expected to be left on the bench by Luis de la Fuente. 

Instead, the veteran manager is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1, with Fabián Ruiz of Paris Saint-Germain and fit-again Rodri anchoring the midfield. Despite high-stakes character of the match, de la Fuente demurred on what he expected of the match's character. "We are two great national teams facing one another. Whether we are favourites or not doesn't mean further pressure for us. We have that pressure anyway because we want to do well for our country."

Predicted lineups:

France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouameni (or Koné), Rabiot; Dembélé, Olisé, Doué, Mbappé

Spain (4-2-3-1): Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Baena, Oyarzabal

Read more:

>> "A spectacular game" Didier Deschamps on facing Spain

>> Quiz: Can you name the France squad by their Ligue 1 careers?

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