France and Spain, the two teams widely considered co-favorites entering the tournament, are set to meet in a World Cup semifinal. This matchup pits Kylian Mbappé and the French team, seeking redemption after their loss in the 2022 final, against Spain, led by the emerging teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
France enters the match as the slight favorite with moneyline odds of +130, while a draw is set at +210 and a Spanish victory within 90 minutes at +225. France's potent offense is powered by Mbappé, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise, who have collectively generated a tournament-high 14.6 expected goals. Mbappé has been a key contributor, scoring his eighth goal of the tournament and tying for the Golden Boot lead with Lionel Messi.
Spain, meanwhile, boasts the tournament's most formidable defense, having conceded only one goal through six matches. Offensively, their strategy is driven by the tactical gifts and relentless work rate of Yamal, who, at 19, has become a central figure in discussions of top players. Spain leads the tournament with a 66 percent possession average and has recorded the most touches in the opposition's box. Super sub Mikel Moreno has also made timely contributions, scoring decisive goals in recent victories against Portugal and Belgium.
Despite France's strong performances, Spain's ability to control possession and maintain defensive solidity is expected to be crucial. The two teams have a history of close contests, with Spain winning their last two head-to-head matches, including a 5-4 thriller in the 2025 UEFA Nations League semifinal. The tactical battle between French manager Didier Deschamps and Spanish coach Alexis De la Fuente is anticipated to be a significant factor in the outcome.