After a few days' break, the World Cup will reignite tomorrow early morning. The opening semi-final features two title contenders: France and Spain. These two world-class giants will go head-to-head. Who will defeat their rival and become the first to reach this World Cup final? Below is today's match preview for the World Cup.

France vs Spain: Clash of Top Heavyweights – Whoever Wins Will Lift the Trophy?

As two elite giants across Europe and global football, this semi-final between France and Spain is hailed as an early World Cup final. Notably, the four semi-finalists of this tournament are exactly the top four teams in the pre-tournament FIFA World Rankings – a first in World Cup history.

France under Didier Deschamps have displayed overwhelming dominance throughout this World Cup. In the group stage, they won all three matches, scoring 10 goals and conceding only 2, showcasing fearsome attacking firepower. Entering the knockout rounds, they beat Sweden 3-0, edged Paraguay 1-0, and defeated Morocco (7th in the world rankings) 2-0 in the quarter-final. They have kept clean sheets across all three knockout games, boasting elite-level attack and defense.

France currently deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation. Their front three – Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise – have clearly defined, highly complementary roles. Wearing the No.10 jersey, Mbappé leads the line as the primary finisher. He is tied with Messi atop the World Cup scoring charts with 8 goals, and has netted 20 World Cup goals in just 20 tournament appearances, averaging one goal per game. Mbappé is undoubtedly the biggest threat Spain must guard against. Dubbed the world’s most in-form player, can the French captain steer Les Bleus into a third consecutive World Cup final?

Ballon d’Or winner Dembélé stretches opposition defenses with relentless wide running. Ambidextrous, he started all six of France’s World Cup matches, contributing 5 goals and 2 assists. If France claim another title this tournament, the Ballon d’Or race between Dembélé and Mbappé will heat up once more.

France’s No.11 Olise operates as the attacking playmaker. The young Bayern Munich talent currently tops the tournament’s assist chart with 5 assists. Ahead of this semi-final, Mbappé, Dembélé and Olise have combined for 23 goals and assists – surpassing Brazil’s iconic 3R frontline (Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho) from their 2002 World Cup triumph, who managed a combined total of only 19 goals and assists back then. France’s attacking trident poses Spain’s biggest test.

France’s core starting lineup is well-established. Beyond their three frontline stars, midfield options include Adrien Rabiot, Khouma Babacar, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Warren Zaire-Emery. However, fitness concerns hang over Kadiog Kone and deep-lying playmaker Tchouaméni. Tchouaméni, a pivotal defensive midfielder, suffered an adductor strain in his calf and missed two knockout matches. Kone battled muscle fatigue in the last round. Their availability for this clash remains uncertain. If both are ruled out, France will lose midfield physicality and efficiency in transition play.

France’s defensive backbone is equally consistent. Bayern centre-back Dayot Upamecano partners Arsenal’s William Saliba, an almost undroppable central defensive duo. Lucas Digne, recently linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, starts at left-back, while Barcelona’s Jules Koundé occupies right-back. Mike Maignan is the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper. This polished defensive and attacking system fuels France’s title charge.

At the pre-match press conference, France midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery stated Les Bleus aim to avenge their Euro defeat against Spain. Manager Didier Deschamps struck a humble tone, naming Spain the favourites to win the trophy. France’s true capabilities will only be revealed on the pitch. Worth noting: kickoff falls on July 14 local French time – Bastille Day. France are eager to reach the final as a gift for their national holiday.

Spain arrive carrying the crown of 2024 European Champions. They kept five clean sheets across their first six World Cup matches, conceding just one goal against Belgium in the quarter-final. Aside from a goalless draw against Cape Verde in their opening group fixture, they won their remaining two group games and three knockout ties, scoring 11 goals and shipping only 1 – boasting the tournament’s tightest defense. If Spain avoid defeat in regular or extra time here, they will match Italy’s world record of 37 consecutive unbeaten games. In the quarter-final, Spain beat Belgium 2-1, leaving them one game away from Italy’s 2018–2021 unbeaten streak. La Roja have not lost since March 2024 against Colombia. Now, a draw or win against France in regular or extra time will cement them alongside Italy in football history.

Spain stick to Luis de la Fuente’s signature possession-based football, averaging higher ball retention than every opponent. Their starting XI has largely been locked in over prior World Cup fixtures: Mikel Oyarzabal operates as a false nine, Alex Baena lines up on the left wing, and Barcelona’s No.10 Lamine Yamal occupies the right flank. The three-man midfield consists of Barcelona’s Dani Olmo and Pedri alongside Manchester City Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. At the back, Aymeric Laporte pairs Pau Cubarsí at centre-back, Marc Cucurella plays left-back, and Pedro Porro takes right-back, with Unai Simón between the sticks. Spain dominate possession through midfield control to push up the pitch, creating high-quality chances via quick short passes and delicate lofted balls. Spain’s run to the semi-finals proves innovative possession football still thrives and delivers remarkable results, despite widespread doubts over the tactic.

At his pre-match press conference, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente praised France and labelled Mbappé an extraordinary global talent, yet refused to divulge tactical details. His true game plan will only unfold during play.

Spain boast a far healthier squad than France, with no first-team absentees and a deep injury-free bench, meaning they can field a fully fit squad against Les Bleus – a major advantage for La Roja.

Head-to-head history across 38 meetings favours Spain, who hold 18 wins, 7 draws and 13 defeats. They have won seven of their last ten clashes with France, including semi-final victories at Euro 2024 and the 2025 Nations League. Spain also own an outstanding semi-final record, advancing from six of their last seven major tournament semi-finals.

 

This fixture has generated massive hype, with media dubbing France vs Spain an “early World Cup final” or claiming “whoever wins will go on to lift the trophy”. The victor will become the first team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Final, awaiting the winner of England vs Argentina. Les Bleus or La Roja – all drama will unfold tomorrow early morning.

 

Match Information

 

Kick-off Time: 20:00 CEST, July 14

Venue: AT&T Stadium, Dallas, USA

Referee: Iván Barton (El Salvador)