FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals: France set for epic clash against Spain
Match details and kickoff time
Kickoff is set for 2 pm local time in Arlington, Texas, which is 19:00 GMT. For fans in Pakistan, that translates to 12:00 am PKT, in the early hours of Wednesday, July 15.
Two-time world champions France face European champions Spain in what many are calling the biggest match of the tournament so far. The winner will face either Argentina or England in the final, while the loser will play in the third-place match.
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Path to the semi-finals
Didier Deschamps' France topped their group with a perfect nine points, beating Senegal, Iraq, and Norway, and have not conceded in the knockout rounds, cruising past Sweden 3-0, edging Paraguay 1-0, and defeating Morocco 2-0.
Spain, meanwhile, are into their first World Cup semi-final since lifting the trophy in 2010, having won their group before beating Austria 3-0, edging Portugal 1-0 and defeating Belgium 2-1.
Since the start of the 2018 World Cup, Spain have lost just one of 27 major tournament matches, going unbeaten in their last 14 while keeping nine clean sheets.
Also Read: England sends Norway home 2-1, qualifies for FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals
Team news
France's midfielders Manu Kone and Aurelien Tchouameni are doubtful with physical discomfort and a groin issue, respectively. At the same time, defenders Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba missed a training session before the match with a back injury. Captain Kylian Mbappe suffered a minor ankle injury against Morocco but told reporters afterward that he was completely fine.
No injuries have been reported in the Spain camp. Winger Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino have both recovered from mid-tournament injuries and are available now.
Predicted Lineups
France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Koné, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Doué; Mbappé.
Spain (4-2-3-1): Simón; Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal.
Prediction
Spain holds the recent edge in this rivalry, having won 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semi-final and 5-4 in the 2025 Nations League semi-final, though France's only World Cup meeting with Spain ended in a 3-1 win back in 2006.
France is aiming to become just the third team to reach three consecutive World Cup finals, following West Germany and Brazil. Given Mbappe's scoring form and France's defensive solidity, expect a tight, tactical contest, with France's greater firepower edging out Spain's control to send Les Bleus through to a third straight final.
