The 2026 World Cup semifinals will feature a high-stakes matchup between Spain and France in Dallas on Tuesday afternoon. Both teams have showcased strong performances throughout the tournament, with France aiming for a third consecutive World Cup final appearance and Spain seeking to reach the final for the first time since their 2010 victory.
France, managed by Didier Deschamps and led by Kylian Mbappe, is looking to build on recent success in the tournament. Spain, the reigning champions of Europe, enters the match on a remarkable 36-game unbeaten streak.
This semifinal presents a significant opportunity for both nations. France's attacking prowess, featuring stars like Mbappe, will be tested by Spain's formidable defense. Conversely, Spain's offense, which has sometimes been described as underperforming at points in the tournament, will need to find ways to break through France's backline.
Key Players to Watch
While Kylian Mbappe is a central figure for France, Michael Olise has emerged as a key contributor. Olise leads the tournament with five assists and has also demonstrated his finishing ability, scoring 20 goals in 45 matches for Bayern Munich across domestic and Champions League play this past season. With Spain likely focusing on neutralizing Mbappe, Olise may find additional space to operate.
For Spain, fullback Marc Cucurella has been an influential presence on the left flank. As Spain's attack has evolved, with Lamine Yamal facing challenges and Nico Williams dealing with an injury, the team has increasingly relied on its fullbacks to deliver dangerous balls into the box. Cucurella has been adept in this role, and he is one of the few Spanish players with multiple assists in the tournament. Given France's defensive attention towards Spain's right side, Cucurella could find opportunities on the opposite flank to create scoring chances through crosses and cutbacks.