France meet Spain in European classic to decide first World Cup finalist
By Filip Mishov
Deschamps targeting revenge over de la Fuente
Les Bleus secured their semi-final place in impressive fashion by defeating the AFCON 2026 runners-up, Morocco, equalling a record helf by Brazil and Germany of reaching the final four at three consecutive World Cup semi-finals. Didier Deschamps‘ squad are averaging 2.7 goals per match with just Argentina boasting a higher number (2.8), while Mike Maignan & co. are the only national team yet to concede a goal in the knockout stages, with France leading the ranks in terms of FotMob rating (7.56) – ahead of Spain (7.30).
Mikel Merino continues to drive La Roja’s bid for glory after the goalscoring midfielder found the back of the net from the bench against both Portugal and Belgium, respectively, becoming the first-ever substitute to score winning goals in two different World Cup knockout rounds. Spain are in the final four for just the second time in their history after winning the 2010 World Cup, and the reigning European champions are undefeated against their neighbours under Luis de la Fuente. The Spanish mastermind has oversaw consecutive semi-final wins at EURO 2024 and most recently in the Nations League 2024/2025.
Key players
Kylian Mbappé has been unplayable at the World Cup and both the eye test and the stats confirm the France captain’s form, with the 27-year-old scoring eight goals (joint most with Lionel Messi) and notching three assists in six matches, taking his goal tally to incredible 20 goals in as many World Cup appearances. No player is averaging a higher FotMob rating (8.87) and shots on target per 90 (3.3) than the free-firing forward, and if Unai Simón is to extend his clean-sheet record (5), then it comes down to stopping France’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Lamine Yamal is yet to fully announce himself in North America, as the now 19-year-old is on a four-match goalscoring drought since Spain’s victory against Saudi Arabia in the group phase. Despite averaging a FotMob rating of 7.45 and being La Roja’s main goalscoring threat with 5.1 shots per 90, the Barcelona star is yet to hit the heights of Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi’s performances. However, Tuesday’s clash might be his ultimate opportunity to shine and the wonderkid has history with France, scoring three goals in his previous two games against Les Bleus.
Team news
Aurélien Tchouaméni is back in first-team training after missing the Round of 16 and quarter-final matches through injury and the energetic midfielder is expected to return to the starting line-up with Kouadio Koné heading back to the bench.
Álex Baena was Spain’s starting left winger in place of Nico Williams, but with the Athletic Club forward close to full fitness and Ferran Torres also pushing for minutes, it remains to be seen whether the former will keep his place after being replaced early in the quarter-finals.
Prediction
France are undoubtedly narrow favourites despite Didier Deschamps insisting that Spain were the most likely winners pre-tournament, and given their performances and squad depth, I expect a European classic with France celebrating a victory after a goal-filled evening in Texas.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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