France and Spain meet today at Dallas Stadium in a highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal. The match pits two of international football's most successful nations against each other, with a spot in the final against either Argentina or England on the line. France enters the contest with a perfect record in the tournament, having won all six of their matches while scoring 16 goals and conceding only two. Spain, the reigning European champions, have relied on a disciplined defensive structure that has allowed only one goal throughout their six games, paired with a possession-based attacking style.
This matchup marks a significant moment in the tournament, as France looks to reach their third consecutive World Cup final, a feat only previously achieved by West Germany. For Spain, the goal is to secure their first World Cup final appearance since their 2010 title run. The two teams have developed a fierce rivalry in recent years, with Spain defeating France in the Euro 2024 semifinals and again in the 2025 UEFA Nations League. Despite these recent results, France remains a formidable opponent led by star forward Kylian Mbappé, who is currently chasing the all-time World Cup scoring record.
Team news ahead of kickoff confirmed that Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has opted to start Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Pau Cubarsi, while midfielder Pedri will begin the match on the bench. This tactical decision reflects the manager's ongoing efforts to balance his squad's energy and maintain control in the midfield. Fans and analysts alike are viewing this as a classic clash of styles, with France’s explosive attacking talent facing off against Spain’s methodical, controlled approach. The winner will advance to the final, while the loser will compete in the third-place match.