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Dallas Stadium will be the backdrop for a blockbuster World Cup 2026 semi-final on Tuesday, when favourites France face off against European champions Spain.
The upcoming clash is arguably more befitting of a final, but after France beat Morocco 2-0 and Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in their respective quarter-finals, the two sides will hope to secure their place in the World Cup's showpiece event on July 19.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions, as well as our best 2026 World Cup betting offers and free bets.
France vs Spain key stats
- Both teams have scored in four of the last five competitive matches between France and Spain.
- France have scored at least two goals in 12 of their last 14 World Cup matches.
- Kylian Mbappe is one of only two players (Lionel Messi) on record to register 10 or more goal involvements at two different World Cups.
- Mbappe has registered one assist in each of his last three matches against Spain.
- Spain have conceded three goals in their past 10 games in all competitions.
- Spain have scored in 20 of their most recent 21 competitive fixtures.
France vs Spain preview: The only team that can stop Les Bleus?
| France | vs | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd | FIFA Ranking | 2nd |
| Hugo Lloris (145) | Most Caps | Sergio Ramos (180) |
| Kylian Mbappe (64) | Most Goals | David Villa (59) |
| 892 | Total Caps | 837 |
| 116 | Total Goals | 127 |
| 1 | Uncapped Players | 0 |
France may have started their opening game against Senegal slowly, but they have since found their rhythm, with their latest game seeing them sweep aside AFCON champions Morocco 2-0 on July 9.
While the scoreline might indicate that the game was competitive, Les Bleus were never truly troubled, and the fact they were routinely able to threaten one of the more defensively capable sides in the tournament bodes well for their encounter with Spain.
Having won all six games this summer, France will understandably be confident, especially as they have shown they are capable of winning in a variety of ways, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe showing great resilience against Paraguay in the round of 16 despite repeatedly facing aggressive challenges.
Manager Didier Deschamps has already confirmed that he will be leaving after the end of the World Cup, and he will hope to have the chance to end his tenure as just the second ever manager to win the competition twice.
Les Bleus will also become just the third nation to ever reach three consecutive World Cup finals if they win on Tuesday, following in the footsteps of West Germany (1982-1990) and Brazil (1994-2002).
Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is reportedly dealing with muscle discomfort, though the immense performance of Manu Kone next to Adrien Rabiot against Morocco may lead to Deschamps naming an unchanged double pivot.
Spain needed late winners from Mikel Merino in both of their last two knockout clashes, with the Arsenal man netting in the 88th minute against Belgium on Friday following an error from opposition goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Despite encountering some troubles against Belgium, La Roja are arguably the only team capable of getting the better of France given their performances at the World Cup have largely been excellent, with the likes of Rodri proving invaluable at the base of midfield.
Boss Luis de la Fuente's side are in fact unbeaten in 36 games, the joint second longest streak in the history of international football, and avoiding defeat on Tuesday would see them equal the record Argentina set between 2019 and 2022.
La Roja will be aiming for a repeat of their Euro 2024 semi-final clash with France, when they emerged as 2-1 winners, and they also won 5-4 when they faced Les Bleus in the semi-final of their Nations League campaign in June 2025.
Spain's success in recent years has been built on the backs of wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, but they have not been able to field the pair together from the start in any of their six matches so far this summer, though both should be available to start at Dallas Stadium.
France vs Spain form guide & betting tips
| France | vs | Spain |
|---|---|---|
WWWWW |
Form | WWWWW |
| 13 | Goals For | 11 |
| 1 | Goals Against | 1 |
| WWWWW | World Cup | WWWWW |
Whispers predicts: France 2-1 Spain
France have been narrowly backed by the bookmakers at 27/20 (42.6), but they have not ruled out a Spanish victory, which has been priced at 21/10 (3.1).
Considering France and Spain have often managed to find the back of the net against each other in competitive meetings, it would be a smart bet to predict Both Teams to Score at 7/10 (1.7).
Given Les Bleus have scored at least two goals in 12 of their last 14 World Cup matches, it may make sense to back France to Score Over 1.5 Goals at 6/5 (2.2).
Mbappe has been a prolific goalscorer at the World Cup, but he has also consistently been a creative hub against Spain, and it may be worthwhile to back Kylian Mbappe to Assist at 15/4 (4.75).
> Both Teams to Score at 7/10 (1.7) | Likelihood: Probable
> France to Score Over 1.5 Goals at 6/5 (2.2) | Likelihood: Possible
> Kylian Mbappe to Assist at 15/4 (4.75) | Likelihood: Possible