France looked the most complete side in the tournament. Didier Deschamps’ men scored freely while remaining solid defensively, progressing to the knockout stages without conceding a goal. Kylian Mbappé continues to lead the attack with eight goals, drawing level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot and moving within one goal of Messi’s all-time World Cup record of 21. Deschamps has also reached another step by taking his 26th World Cup as coach of France.
Spain has followed France step by step. After a slow start with a pair of goalless draws against Cape Verde, Luis de la Fuente’s side built momentum with wins over Austria, Portugal and Belgium. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal embraced the spotlight despite admitting this is the biggest game of his career, while Mikel Merino became the unlikely hero of Spain’s elimination with late winning goals in back-to-back games.
Ahead of the contest, French midfielder Adrien Rabiot rejected suggestions of a special tactical plan to stop Yamal, insisting France must focus on Spain’s collective attacking force rather than an individual. Spain, meanwhile, remain full of confidence after defeating France in the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2024 and UEFA Nations League 2025.
The match also brings together two former world champions with contrasting ambitions. Spain are seeking their first World Cup final since their triumph in 2010, while France are hoping to become only the third nation after Brazil and Germany to reach three consecutive World Cup finals.
Featuring Mbappé, Yamal, Antoine Griezmann, Pedri, Rodri and many more stars, the semi-final promises elite football, fascinating tactical battles and huge packages as a European giant moves one step closer to World Cup glory.