The first World Cup 2026 semifinal is Tuesday, July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas. France take on Spain for a place in the final on Sunday, July 19 in East Rutherford.3 PM ET start time. France vs Spain World Cup 2026 Semifinal
This is the match that football has been waiting for at this tournament. The two best teams in the world playing each other in a World Cup semi-final for the first time since 2006. France, who’ve won seven straight at this tournament without the need for extra time. Spain are the only team that have kept a clean sheet throughout the competition. Something’s gotta give in Dallas Tuesday.
France The Machine No One Stopped
By all accounts, Didier Deschamps’ side have been the most dominant team at the 2018 World Cup. Eight wins out of eight, 17 goals scored and only two surrendered. Never a minute of extra time needed throughout the entire tournament.
Kylian Mbappe is joint top of the Golden Boot race with eight goals from eight outings, alongside Lionel Messi, and has scored in every single match at this tournament. Ousmane Dembele has scored five goals and made two assists. Michael Olise is the leading assist provider in the entire division with six helpers. No squad in the tournament’s history has produced this amount of combined attacking contribution.
The sole injury concern moving into Dallas is Aurelien Tchouameni, who has been nursing a groin problem. Manu Kone is expected to deputise again if Tchouameni cannot start, but Deschamps has stated France have no further fitness issues.
Spain Strong Defence, Growing Offence
Spain come in Dallas having not surrendered in eight matches, the first team in World Cup history to register a clean sheet through the group stage and four knockout rounds. The success is down to the outstanding defensive platform that Rodri’s midfield dominance and the Cubarsi-Laporte centre-back combo have supplied throughout.
Lamine Yamal has been the star of Spain’s march to the semifinals. The 18-year-old has three goals and three assists and is now playing at a level that few players have ever played at any age in World Cup history. His contribution off the bench in the quarterfinal against Belgium, setting up Mikel Merino’s late goal, was the kind of influence that wins tournaments.
Nico Williams is set to come back from an adductor strain to start on the left wing, giving Spain their full attack lineup for the first time in three matches. Mikel Oyarzabal tops Spain’s tournament scoring charts with five goals.
Projected Lineups
France (4-2-3-1):
Maignan Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, T. Hernandez Kone, Rabiot Dembele, Olise, Barcola Mbappe
Spain (4-2-3-1):
Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella Rodri, Pedri Yamal, Olmo, Williams Oyarzabal
The Duel Decisive
Lamine Yamal vs Theo Hernandez will be the most watched one-on-one duel of the whole competition thus far. France’s left-back has been brilliant all game, but Yamal’s ability to cut inside onto his left foot and shoot or drive to the byline and cross creates a challenge that no single defender has solved at this World Cup. France vs Spain World Cup 2026 Semifinal
The most important battle will be between Kylian Mbappe and the Spain centre-back pairing of Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte.
Spain have not surrendered a goal in eight matches but have not encountered an attacker of Mbappe’s talent and finishing ability.
Rodri winning the midfield duel is vital for Spain to succeed. Manchester City skipper can curb the time and space for Mbappe & Olise in central areas; Spain’s defensive shape has the discipline to handle France’s wide threats.
Historical Background
France and Spain have met three times previously at the World Cup, with France winning in 1966 and 2006, and Spain winning only once, in 1934.
Their last competitive meeting was in the 2024 European Championship semifinal, Spain prevailing 2-1 thanks to a late goal from Yamal and a decisive finish from Dani Olmo, providing La Roja a key psychological boost.
Our Prediction: France 1-0 Spain
The toughest choice of the competition. Spain’s clean sheet record implies they won’t let up too many goals, and France’s attacking pedigree suggests they will find a way through even the most disciplined defensive structure.
Both clubs have demonstrated they can win close, low-scoring knockout games and this semifinal could come down to one moment of exceptional brilliance. In that regard, France has the tiny edge in the finishing quality of Mbappe in the penalty box.
Match Details:
Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Time: 3 PM ET / 12 AM PKT
Location: AT&T Stadium, Dallas, Texas
TV: Fox Sports (US)
(FAQs)
When is the France vs Spain World Cup 2026 semifinal?
The semifinal is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Dallas.
Where will France vs Spain be played?
The match will take place at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
Who is favored to win France vs Spain?
Most analysts see France as a slight favorite, but Spain’s recent form makes this one of the toughest matches to predict.
Which players could decide the semifinal?
The spotlight is expected to be on Kylian Mbappé for France and Lamine Yamal for Spain, with both capable of producing match-winning moments.
Who will face the winner in the World Cup final?
The winner will advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final to play the winner of the other semifinal between England and Argentina.
Follow USANewsPoint.blog for live score updates and a full match recap of Tuesday’s World Cup semifinal!
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Sarah Williams is a sports news reporter covering all major American sports including NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL. With 4 years of experience in sports journalism, Sarah specializes in breaking news, trending stories, and exclusive sports updates. Her fast-paced reporting style keeps sports fans informed and engaged. Sarah is a core member of the USA News Point editorial team.
